For many radiologists, workflow-integrated artificial intelligence (AI) models for task automation and clinical decision support are helping them improve reporting quality and productivity while managing a surge in pandemic-delayed imaging volumes.
At the same time, radiologists want to extend the benefits of AI beyond reading rooms to facilitate collaboration with care teams, using radiology reports and AI-derived data and insights to inform clinical decision making, promote better patient outcomes, and reduce costs. That has been a challenge in part because of growing workloads.
Holzberger
Agarwal
“There is so much pressure to do 20% more work in the same amount of — or less — time, while maintaining your quality and accuracy,” said Sheela Agarwal, chief medical information officer at Nuance Communications. “And you’re doing so in a more difficult environment; you can no longer tap on the shoulder of a trusted colleague,” Agarwal said. “So, how do you effectively collaborate virtually?”
Developers at Nuance are taking an approach that recognizes the central role of diagnostic imaging in patient care from screening and diagnosis, to planning and treatment, through follow-up and measurement of outcomes. Their approach views the radiologist’s desktop not only as a reading and reporting environment but as a hub that integrates AI within existing reporting workflows and facilitates communications with radiology team members and referring providers. The use of natural language understanding also supports structured reporting, Common Data Elements, and greater interoperability and HL7-based integration with connected EHR, PACS, viewers and advanced 3D imaging processing systems such as Siemens syngo.via.
“We’ve known how AI adds value to radiologists’ diagnostic expertise and enhances reporting productivity and quality with workflow optimization, task automation and clinical decision support,” Agarwal said. “So we’re building on that power with increased workflow-integrated interoperability between clinical systems and expanded communications and collaboration with providers, specialists and other imaging stakeholders.”
Agarwal said that Nuance is moving quickly toward enabling seamless sharing of radiologist- and AI-generated findings and data in patient-centered collaboration with other imaging stakeholders to enhance diagnostic precision, determine patient eligibility for advanced treatments, ensure follow-up and measure clinical effectiveness and value.
Visit Nuance at Booth 3300 during RSNA 2021 to see product demonstrations and get more information about Nuance diagnostic imaging solutions. The company will also be part of the AI Showcase at Booth 4751.
