The era of diagnoses based on incomplete datasets is at an end, Here, Dr Brendan Devlin explains why the ‘ologies’ must be connected and what integrated diagnostics is actually about.
There are some who might feel uneasy about integrating the way we work in diagnostics. Disciplines, some dating back as far as the beginnings of modern medicine, have had their own way of working, their own culture, philosophy and an established place in patient care.
Pathology and radiology present very different working environments. Radiology departments are somewhat unpredictable workplaces, where a continual flurry of human beings – patients, clinicians, radiologists, radiographers and others – interact with each other, constantly moving in and out of examination and reporting rooms. Such an ad-hoc response to acute medical situations has required an active handling of information flows to allow professionals to cope.
Conversely, pathology is busy in a different way, focusing on the examination of blood, body fluids and tissue samples in a more organised environment, where workflow is more ordered, and where information flows have been less structured.
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.