A telecommunications journey rural health network

Radiol Manage. 2012 Jul-Aug;34(4):40-3.

Abstract

Utilizing a multi-gigabit statewide fiber healthcare network, Radiology Consultants of Iowa (RCI) set out to provide instantaneous service to their rural, critical access, hospital partners. RCIs idea was to assemble a collection of technologies and services that would even out workflow, reduce time on the road, and provide superior service. These technologies included PACS, voice recognition enabled dictation, HL7 interface technology, an imaging system for digitizing paper and prior films, and modern communication networks. The Iowa Rural Health Telecommunication Project was undertaken to form a system that all critical access hospitals would participate in, allowing RCI radiologists the efficiency of "any image, anywhere, anytime".

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Hospitals, Rural*
  • Iowa
  • Radiology Department, Hospital
  • Systems Integration*
  • Telecommunications / organization & administration*