Case Study: The EMRAD Journey with iCode REALM ​

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Case Study: The EMRAD Journey with iCode REALM ​

Case Study: The EMRAD Journey with iCode REALM

Background 

The East Midlands Radiology Consortium (EMRAD) is a network aiming to deliver expert radiology services across the region. However, the REALM chairs within EMRAD faced overwhelming workloads, making the management of REALM meetings a significant challenge. From anonymising studies to recording learning points and summarising meetings, the process can be time-consuming. 

The Challenge 

REALM meetings are crucial for continuous learning in radiology, allowing professionals to learn from discrepancies and successes. The manual effort required to manage these meetings was substantial, consuming valuable time and resources that could otherwise be directed towards patient care. 

The iCode REALM Solution 

iCode REALM was introduced as a vendor-neutral solution seamlessly integrated into the PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) environment, designed to facilitate the execution of REALM meetings in accordance with RCR guidelines. 

With iCode REALM, EMRAD experienced a transformation in their workflow: 

  1. Streamlined Automated Workflow: The process of managing and running REALM meetings became more straightforward and efficient. 
  2. Anonymisation of Cases: Patient and physician data were anonymised, maintaining privacy, and focusing on learning from case content, and facilitating discussions around discrepancies in a blame-free environment. 
  3. Time and Resource Efficiency: The automated system reduced the manual effort required, freeing up time for REALM chairs. 
  4. Reduced Workload Challenges: REALM chairs could focus more on their primary responsibilities rather than administrative tasks.
  5. Powerful Meeting Management Tool: iCode REALM provided a robust platform for scheduling, executing, and reviewing meetings.
  6. Analytics and Reporting: The system offered insights into meeting outcomes, helping to enhance quality and processes. 

In conclusion, the implementation of iCode REALM at EMRAD led to a more efficient and effective learning environment, revolutionising radiology practice and raising the bar for patient care and safety. 

To learn more about how iCode REALM can transform your radiology practice, visit iCode REALM. 

From Chaos to Clarity: Managing Critical Result Escalations with iCode CRN

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From Chaos to Clarity: Managing Critical Result Escalations with iCode CRN

From Chaos to Clarity: Managing Critical Result Escalations with iCode CRN

Introduction: In the high-stakes world of radiology, where seconds matter, the management of critical results can be chaotic. Radiologists and referring physicians find themselves caught in urgent scenarios, striving to ensure patient safety while navigating complex workflows. This is where iCode Critical Results Notification (CRN) steps in—a powerful solution that transforms chaos into streamlined communication and accountability. 

The Chaotic Landscape 

Imagine this following scenario: A radiologist recognizes a critical finding—a life-threatening condition like a rupture, a stroke, or an urgent abnormality. The time starts to run. The pressure to accurately and swiftly convey this information to the referrers is overwhelming. In the absence of a streamlined system, this process can be prone to errors, delays, and miscommunication, risking patient safety and outcomes. Radiologists suffer from: 

  1. Manual Processes: Radiologists manually make phone calls or send emails to referring physicians.
  2. Fragmented Systems: Patient data exists in disparate systems—Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), Radiology Information Systems (RIS), and Electronic Health Records (EHR). Coordinating across these silos can be stressful. 
  3. Accountability Challenges: Who acknowledged the critical result? Was it delivered promptly? Lack of documentation and record keeping can lead to accountability gaps.

Introducing iCode CRN: A Beacon of Clarity 

iCode CRN appears as a beacon of clarity in this chaotic landscape. Let’s explore how it revolutionizes critical result management: 

  1. Unified Communication Hub: No more toggling between screens; everything is at the radiologist’s fingertips. iCode CRN integrates seamlessly with existing systems (PACS, RIS, EHR) to obtain patient details, study information, and referring physician contacts.
  2. Urgent Result Communication: Through push notifications, SMS, HL7 messages, and email, iCode CRN ensures that critical results reach the right referrer promptly. No more lost emails or missed calls.  
  3. Radiologist Accountability: iCode CRN tracks every step. Radiologists receive delivery confirmations, and referrers acknowledge receipt. Accountability becomes transparent.
  4. Patient Safety First: By automating processes, iCode CRN frees radiologists to focus on clinical interpretation, preventing crucial information from slipping through the cracks.
  5. Mobile Empowerment: The iCode CRN mobile app allows radiologists to access and acknowledge critical results on the go. 

Conclusion: From chaos to clarity—the journey is now guided by iCode CRN. Radiologists wield a powerful tool that not only streamlines workflows but also safeguards lives. As the critical result escalates, so does our commitment to patient safety.