Automated assistance to staff and quality assurance based on real-time workflow analysis

Abstract

An imaging system (10) includes: an image acquisition device (12), a device controller (16) comprising an electronic processor (20) programmed to operate the image acquisition device to acquire medical images of a patient and to maintain a machine log (26) storing an operating history of the image acquisition device; a server computer (34) programmed to retrieve patient information from at least one health information system (HIS) (18); and at least one feedback device (50, 52). The device controller, the server computer, or a combination of the device controller and server computer is programmed to implement at least one state machine (30, 44) having a plurality of states defined by values of state variables wherein the states represent respective attainable states of an image acquisitionprocedure (100) and the image acquisition device. The at least one state machine is configured to transition between states during the image acquisition procedure whereby the at least one state machine represents a current state of the image acquisition procedure and the image acquisition device, wherein the values of the state variables of the at least one state machine are determined based at least on content of the machine log for the image acquisition device and patient information retrieved by the server computer from the at least one HIS. The at least one feedback device is configured to provide guidance to an operator for performing the image acquisition procedure based on a current state of the at least one state machine.

Description

technical field [0001] The following relates to the field of medicine, the field of clinical decision support, the field of automated medical data analysis, and related fields. Background technique [0002] The difficulty in extending the use of complex medical imaging systems is the need for trained operators. Currently, developing countries (eg, Brazil) may not have access to complex imaging systems such as magnetic resonance (MR), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT ), ultrasound (US), etc. Even if such countries have these systems, medical personnel in those countries may not have the proper training or skills to operate these devices. Although the problem is less severe in developed countries, the waiting period for medical imaging can still be long, which may be especially true in time-critical medical situations (for example, people with rapidly spreading cancer or who have suffered a fractu...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Currently, machine logs are maintained in many cases, but these logs are usually at a lower level and may not be easily correlated to specific imaging epochs

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