Precision and efficiency are essential in cardiology, where timely and accurate diagnostics can significantly impact patient outcomes. GE HealthCare's ViewPoint™ 6 ultrasound reporting and image management solution is specifically designed to support these critical goals. Dr. Sebastian Herrmann, a specialist in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Internal Intensive Care Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Heart Failure, and Sports Cardiology, and the Chief Physician at Caritas Hospital Bad Mergentheim in southwestern Germany, shared how the advanced features of ViewPoint 6 align with the technological demands of his practice.
Caritas Hospital Bad Mergentheim in southwestern Germany, Photo by: ckbm
1.) Simplified interfaces
One of the standout features of ViewPoint 6 is the ease of integration with ultrasound machines, particularly those from GE HealthCare. This integration eliminates the need for complicated interfaces or extensive programming, allowing for a smoother and more efficient workflow.
“ViewPoint 6 is definitely very useful for GE HealthCare users, as no complicated new interfaces need to be programmed between the ultrasound device and the exam documentation software,” explained Dr. Herrmann. “I have also worked with other manufacturers in the past. The interface between the ultrasound machine and the exam documentation software was often a problem.”
2.) Automatic data transfer
Reliable and error-free data transfer is crucial in any imaging workflow. ViewPoint 6 excels in this area, providing secure data transfer from ultrasound devices to the documentation system.
“The fact that the data flows in easily means that we naturally save time and can carry out more examinations and also very high-quality examinations,” Dr. Hermann noted.
This data transfer capability means that clinicians can trust the system to handle their data accurately, allowing them to focus more on patient care rather than troubleshooting technical issues.
3.) Advanced post-processing integration
Modern ultrasound technology often requires analyzing complex data. ViewPoint 6 with integrated EchoPACTM* supports this need, ensuring clinicians can perform detailed analyses efficiently.
“Post-processing includes, for example, 3D echocardiography or tissue analysis, which we then carry out in post-processing on our EchoPAC workstation,” said Dr. Herrmann. “Of course, it makes sense for data from EchoPAC to flow directly into the exam documentation system after evaluation.”
By integrating EchoPAC’s post-processing capabilities, ViewPoint 6 helps enhance the diagnostic process, enabling clinicians to derive more precise and comprehensive insights from their ultrasound data.
4.) Rapid exam documentation
The ability to document exams quickly and accurately is critical. ViewPoint 6 allows clinicians to leverage pre-stored text modules for swift documentation, saving valuable time and resources.
"I can document my exams very quickly using the text modules that are stored. This is increasingly important given the limited resources we have in hospitals these days," Dr. Herrmann highlights. “We can produce high-quality reports in a short time and I think ViewPoint 6 is a solution that is ideal here because it saves us time.”
This feature not only speeds up the documentation process but also ensures that reports are of high quality, contributing to better patient care and more efficient use of hospital resources.
5.) Accessibility across workstations
The flexibility to access and finalize exams from any workstation within the clinic is another significant advantage of ViewPoint 6. This capability enhances the efficiency and convenience of clinical workflows.
“If you have to leave an exam open due to lack of time, you can rework and finalize it from any workstation in the clinic," said Dr. Herrmann. “I can also supervise and correct the findings of residents and senior physicians by telephone. This helps us immensely in our day-to-day work because we don't have to keep running to the ultrasound room, of course, but can do it online via computer and telephone.”
This accessibility means that clinicians are not tied to a single location for reviewing and finalizing exams, enabling more flexible and responsive patient care.
6.) A multifunctional solution
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of ViewPoint 6 with integrated EchoPAC is that it enables diagnostics, post-processing, and data transfer through a single system. This versatility reduces the need for multiple separate systems, simplifying the clinical workflow and enhancing overall efficiency.
"The biggest advantage of ViewPoint 6, and this is why I always recommend it to GE HealthCare users, is that it is an all-in-one solution. Diagnostics, post-processing, and data transfer from the machine," Dr. Herrmann emphasized. “The fact that the data flows in easily means that we naturally save time and can carry out more examinations and also very high-quality examinations.”
This comprehensive solution not only saves time but also ensures high-quality examinations by incorporating various measurements and analyses into the documentation system quickly and accurately.
Learn more about ViewPoint 6, a comprehensive cardiovascular ultrasound reporting and image management system. Its optimized workflow allows you to focus on delivering the best possible patient care.
* EchoPAC Plug-in installed with, and launched from, ViewPoint 6
Products mentioned may not be available in all countries. Please check with your local GE HealthCare representative for details. ViewPoint and EchoPAC are trademarks of GE HealthCare.
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