M. Kashif Mirza MBBS, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Sudhir Vinayak MBBCh, MMed, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Tanveer Khan BS, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shikuku Shituma, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Godfred Mugoma, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Shortage of radiologists in EA poses unique challenges to the patients needing diagnostic imaging services. This is especially true in situations where patients are at remote less-developed locations. Realizing the need of quality healthcare with better access within EA, our organization (not-for-profit) initiated an enterprise-wide project of integrating its remote units with its tertiary care university hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. To date, remote units include 20+ outreach centers and 06 diagnostic centers.

Integrated setups with meaningful sharing of patient information can help not only in improving timely healthcare delivery but also helps in addressing the shortage of radiologists in developing regions like EA.

Not Applicable

Method: Based on SWOT analysis, the initial phase required gaps identification for implementing the essential components of PACS, RIS and HIS. Our legacy reporting workflow was based on manual processes; thus leading to potential safety threats for timely reporting of seriously ill patients and less audit checks. A team of stake-holders from radiology, ICT, quality committee, and informatics experts was formed to address the identified gaps.Currently, upon receiving a radiology study from DICOM-based imaging modality, radiologist generates a diagnostic report in VR system. Report is then automatically forwarded from local systems to remote RIS/HIS via HL7 protocol. The whole system is further programmed to record statistics for monitoring quality, patient safety and auditparameters. After successful pilot run,continuous expansion is underway in a phase-wise manner.Results: Our resulting implementation provides a fool-proof way of diagnosticservices in timely fashion.Quality committee has recognized it as an extremely useful mechanism towards overcoming access issues. Remote referring physicians appreciated receiving timely reports. Limitations included 1) lack of local skilled manpower 2) a cultural change for health professionals/patients, 3) lack of infrastructure: electric power outages and network disruptions, 4) financial transactions across international border 5) unique patientID in one PACS-Multi HIS environment.

Mirza, M, Vinayak, S, Khan, T, Shituma, S, Mugoma, G, Overcoming Shortage of Radiologists by Implementing a Cross-Border PACS, RIS and HIS in East Africa (EA) (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania).  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12029621.html