Small devices warrant big attention. Centralized management of departmental handheld ultrasound devices is essential for maximizing their potential, improving efficiency and ensuring patient safety. Adopting a robust enterprise imaging strategy to include handheld ultrasound enables healthcare systems to ensure these powerful, pocket-sized tools are utilized to their fullest potential.
Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was a central topic at KLAS’ Enterprise Imaging Summit 2024. An overview of the summit explains that expanding to POCUS will be challenging but necessary for enterprise imaging. Governance, varying workflows, electronic health record (EHR) integration, and appropriate documentation and study archiving were noted as some of the key challenges to tackle to successfully bring POCUS into an organization’s enterprise imaging strategy.1
“There has been a proliferation of handheld ultrasound devices, and many large institutions may not have a comprehensive inventory of their entire fleet,” said Ryan Dobbe, Executive General Manager, Ultrasound Digital Ecosystems at GE HealthCare. “This raises critical questions about how to improve the management of these devices. It’s not just about tracking the devices themselves; it’s about addressing the backend components that drive overall operational efficiency, compliance, and high-quality care.”
Surging use of handheld ultrasound
Adoption of handheld ultrasound devices is on the rise, driven by their ability to deliver real-time, high-quality imaging at the point of care. These devices empower clinicians to make quicker diagnoses and decisions which can be lifesaving in urgent situations. Their ease of use also reduces dependency on larger imaging equipment, freeing up those resources for more complex cases. By providing bedside imaging, handheld devices enhance both patient comfort and care eliminating the need for frequent hospital transports.
The convenience and effectiveness of handheld ultrasound has been recognized across many medical disciplines. The American College of Physicians has integrated POCUS into clinical guidelines, citing its value in enhancing the clinical evaluation of emergency patients.2 Training programs have expanded to include POCUS in medical school curricula, residency programs, and postgraduate education for various healthcare providers, including nurses and advanced practice professionals.3 Point of care ultrasound has become a standard tool in emergency medicine,4 as well as a primary diagnostic and guidance tool in specialties from cardiology to obstetrics to aesthetics.
Fragmented management of floating ultrasound devices
Despite the benefits, without centralized management handheld ultrasound devices can pose operational challenges.
Maintaining an accurate inventory across departments can be difficult without a comprehensive tracking system. This makes it harder to ensure regular maintenance and compliance with safety standards. Neglecting routine checks could compromise the device performance.
Integration is another key concern. Often, POCUS exams generate images that may not be properly integrated into the EHR or picture archiving and communication system (PACS) leading to incomplete documentation. This can affect clinical workflows and prevent organization from accurately billing for all services provided
Recipe for handheld enterprise imaging strategy
To overcome IT and workflow challenges and maximize the benefits of handheld ultrasound devices, healthcare systems should adopt an enterprise-wide management strategy. There are four key ingredients for success.
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Centralized management: Implementing a centralized management system ensures that all devices are tracked and maintained. This approach minimizes the risk of lost or misplaced devices and helps ensure that all equipment is functioning correctly.
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Integration with existing IT systems: Seamless integration with PACS and other hospital information systems is crucial for accurate billing, data management, and workflow efficiency. This integration ensures that all scans are properly recorded and billed, optimizing financial outcomes.
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Robust security measures: Implementing stringent security protocols protects patient data and ensures compliance with regulatory standards. This includes using encrypted data transmission and secure access controls to prevent unauthorized use.
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A scalable solution: Healthcare systems must think about efficiently managing their devices as their fleet continues to grow. Scalable solutions ensure continued efficiency and security without overburdening IT infrastructure.
Lean on Verisound digital ultrasound tools
GE HealthCare’s Verisound portfolio provides a suite of digital ultrasound tools that organizations can leverage to quickly initiate an enterprise-wide plan for handheld ultrasound devices. Their help organizations streamline workflows, improve device management and enhance operational efficiency.
“Implementing robust operational digital tools that support various aspects of workflow, from analytics to user management to configurations, is essential,” said Dobbe. “These tools enable healthcare providers to optimize device usage, ensure compliance, and ensure handheld ultrasound is always poised to enhance patient care."
Products mentioned may not be available in all countries. Please check with your local GE HealthCare representative for details.
Learn more about how Vscan Air™ + Digital Tools can support your enterprise imaging strategy for handheld ultrasound.
REFERENCES:
1.)“Enterprise Imaging Summit 2024,” KLAS Research, last modified September 17, 2024, https://klasresearch.com/report/enterprise-imaging-summit-2024-advancing-into-a-new-age-of-imaging/3571#:~:text=Advancing%20into%20a%20New%20Age%20of%20Imaging.
2.) Davidi Vortman, “Point-of-Care-Ultrasound tech expands non-invasive imaging capabilities across diverse settings”, MedCity News, last modified October 26, 2021, https://medcitynews.com/2021/10/point-of-care-ultrasound-tech-expands-non-invasive-imaging-capabilities-across-diverse-dettings/.
3.) Michael J Arnold et al., “Point-of-Care Ultrasonography,” American Family Physician 101, no. 5 (2020): 275-285. (https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/0301/p275.html)
4.) Sofia Melgarejo et al, “Point of care ultrasound: An overview,” American College of Cardiology, last modified September 17, 2024, https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/10/31/09/57/point-of-care-ultrasound.
Products mentioned may not be available in all countries. Please check with your local GE HealthCare representative for details.
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