December - 20198STAY FOCUSED ­ EXECUTE IMAGING STRATEGY WITH AIAshley Clary, Vice President, Imaging Services, Ochsner Health SystemByMachine learning, augmented and assisted intelligence, artificial intelligence (AI)­ not too long ago these descriptive phrases were seen as nothing more than visionary catch phrases embedded in the "future" section of an imaging division's strategic plan. Fast forward to the hallowed halls (aka vendor showcases) of recent Radiology Society meetings and one may have thought they accidently booked a ticket to HIMSS, until of course they turn a corner and bump into a strategically placed CT scanner on the showroom floor. As an imaging executive, plethora of intelligence and knowledge engineering products is exciting and instills optimism in a provider shortage environment along with expectations of faster and more accurate diagnostic decisions and consumer demand for affordable, coordinated care for their loved ones. But how we do filter through the hype? It is important to prioritize ­ and we must stick to strategy and the core commitment to the production of reliable, high-quality images and accurate, complete diagnostic interpretations.Before health system imaging divisions jump into the world of dynamic analytics and computer intelligence,it is important to reinforce its core platform. Three critical components to this foundation include:1) Robust enterprise imaging management solution (integrated best of breed or single version) that can accommodate encounter-based solutions of all imaging types beyond standard radiology services. 2) Modalities and device solutions that promote data flexibility and sustainable upgrade solutions. Imaging equipment with strongly executed AI systems continue to be expensive, even as reimbursements continue to shrink. Faced with this constraint, a company's strategic plan should aim for a machine fleet that can survive for more than a decade while continuing to be updated as needed, and these become requirements when evaluating fixed assets that require significant construction costs. Successful vendors will focus on upgrade paths, flexible software subscription solutions, peripheral development, and cross modality integration solutions ­ all capable of exporting data or promoting machine-based data solutions. 3) Most importantly, a clinically driven imaging informatics governance structure. As healthcare systems continue to grow through a variety of partnership models, a significant challenge they must overcome is aligning diverse stakeholders, including employed clinicians, contracted providers and operations/informatics team members. It is critically important to build service line networks enhancing standardization and integration opportunities.In My Opinion
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