October 25, 2016 — Norwegian healthcare provider Helse Vest RHF is investing in a region-wide radiology IT solution from Sectra for managing radiology images and patient information. The agreement extends for six years and the order is, over this agreement period, valued at a total of NOK 57 million (corresponding to approximately EUR 5.7 million).
Sectra’s IT solution, including a radiology information system (RIS) and picture archiving and communication system (PACS), will improve the availability and simplify the communication of patient images within and between the hospitals in the region. This will make it easier for radiologists to carry out their daily work and contribute to more efficient and higher quality care. In addition, the solution will help provide greater opportunities to share resources between hospitals.
“High operational reliability and usability were important criteria in our choice of radiology solution – criteria that Sectra was able to meet. It was also crucial that the solution could be integrated with our existing VNA [vendor neutral archive] in order to facilitate joint regional work processes and efficient, region-wide collaboration and information exchange. Our hope is that this will contribute to improved quality and higher productivity in healthcare by providing better access to updated clinical information,” said Erik M. Hansen, CEO of Helse Vest IKT.
Helse Vest already uses Sectra’s VNA, where all of the region’s medical images and film sequences, such as ultrasound and endoscopy examinations, are managed. By combining the media archive with this new, region-wide radiology IT system, Helse Vest will be equipped with a total solution that provides physicians with simple and secure access to all patient information and image materials – including non-radiological images – concerning a specific patient. This facilitates a closer collaboration between the various medical disciplines involved in the patient’s care chain. Quick and easy access to all patient data particularly improves multidisciplinary rounds, which are an important component of cancer care.
Helse Vest is responsible for the care of the approximately one million people living in the region. Health and medical care is provided through four care companies at a total of 15 public hospitals with radiology departments.
For more information: www.sectra.com