Lesson 11: Other Hospital Information Systems

Cardiology Information System

Definition
The cardiology information system (CIS) is mainly focused on the storage and retrieval of
cardiology-centric images. This system usually receives an order with patient demographics from
other information management systems. Once the images are acquired from imaging modalities,
they are profiled based on the order and stored for further distribution, viewing, and long-term
archiving (Katipula & Ireland, 2013).
The information used by cardiologists for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses varies from
personal notes (history, physical examination), to signals (electrocardiograms), images
(echocardiograms, angiograms, CT, MRI), and reports from investigations and procedures. All
these types of information can currently be provided in digital format, and the system serves as
repository of these forms of images. Unfortunately, most systems are limited by their storage
capabilities and do not include post-processing functions.

Evolution of CIS
Decades ago, the requirements for an electronic medical information system were restricted
by the availability of equipment. A good database schema combined with a functional user
interface was deemed adequate. In the 1970s, available cardiology information systems
originated from mainframe environments, whose technical specifics would be considered
ridiculous in today's context.
In the 1980s, modular systems that emphasized the use of real-time applications and mini
computers became the trend (Turney & Kohls, 1997). Over the years, the trend for smaller
computers remained, but the introduction of the internet became a turning point that shifted the
focus of most systems towards creating networks and facilitating integration. Cardiology
information systems nowadays have unique features that enable remote access and easy
retrieval. Some systems have also attempted to integrate radiology information systems (RIS) to
involve more administrative processes and go beyond storage purposes.

Benefits of CIS
Different CIS, coming from different sellers, vary in their available features. However, the
following are the most common benefits:
1. Ease of Access while Maintaining Data Security

CIS consolidates multiple types of patient cardiology information, thus eliminating the
need for doctors to request different imaging results from different departments.

2. Flexibility in the Workflow

Availability of mobile technology allows cardiologists to assess a wide array of

information without having to leave the patient's bedside. Having cardiological data in a
 single platform offers mobility to physicians and nurses, thereby improving the efficiency
of providing service.

3. Enhanced Comparability

CIS is an essential repository of cardiology imagery results; thereby, retrieval of past

data is convenient. This comparability enables health care professionals to make more
informed decisions on their patient's treatment.

Functionalities of CIS
1. Editing, Viewing, and Storing Multi-Modal Cardiology Data — With the help of Cis,
different types of data, including those of computed tomography (CT), cardiac ultrasound
(echocardiography), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear imaging (PET and
SPECT), and angiography may be managed on a single platform.

2. Remote Access — The use of networks and integrated information systems, coupled with
the availability of the internet and tablets and smart phones, offers flexibility to CIS.

3. Visualization and Reporting Capabilities — Two of the main benefits of CIS are the
ease and the consistency of reporting. As a result, virtual real-time information retrieval is
possible anytime and anywhere with just a couple of clicks.

4. EHR Integration — CIS may be integrated with existing electronic health record systems;
this results in the enhancement of the quality of services of the health professionals by
offering a more comprehensive view of the patient care spectrum.

Radiology Information System

A radiology information system refers to a network system used in managing imagery and
associated data in the radiology department. The system tracks the orders and billing information
of the requesting department. It uses picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) for
the storage and management of medical images and vendor neutral archivals (VNA) to manage
image archives and for record-keeping and billing within a hospital information system (HIS)
(Rouse, 2017).
The use of RIS in health care institutions has many advantages in the context of improving
overall operations of the institution. The system enables easier access to patient information
because it can be integrated in referring to the doctor's electronic health record (EHR) system,
resulting in better patient experience. It also allows faster processing of payments because the
insurance plans of patients may be verified prior to their visit and electronic payment is an
available option. It also permits reports to be easily generated and sent to the requesting
department which dramatically improves the efficiency of the workflow of the institution.
Functions of RIS
Rouse (2017) describes the following functions of an RIS:

• Patient Management — The system tracks the patient's entire workflow within the
radiology department. It can add images and generate reports to EHRs for easy retrieval
and viewing by the authorized radiology staff.

• Scheduling — The system allows staff to schedule appointments for in-patients and out-
patients.

• Patient Tracking — Patient tracking means tracing the patient's radiology history starting
from admission to discharge and coordinating it with his or her past, present, and future
appointments.

• Results reporting — Results reporting is possible through the statistical reports

generated by RIS. The reports may be done for a single patient or a group of patients, as
well as for specific procedures, depending on the needs.

• Image tracking — RIS was traditionally used to track individual films and associated data
Nowadays, RIS-PACS systems managed by radiology departments cover the entire
clinical workflow of the medical enterprise.

• Billing — Billing is made convenient through the system's financial record keeping and
processing of electronic payments and automated claims.

Key Points to Remember

✓ Cardiology information system (CIS) is mainly focused on the storage and retrieval of
cardiology centric images.

✓ The benefits and features of CIS include ease of access while maintaining data security,
flexibility in the workflow, and enhanced comparability.

✓ The functionalities of CIS are editing, viewing, and storing multi-modal cardiology data;
remote access; visualization and reporting capabilities; and EHR integration.

✓ A radiology information system (RIS) is a network software system designed to manage

medical imagery and associated data. An RIS is especially useful for tracking radiology
imaging orders and billing information, and is often used in conjunction with picture
archiving and communication systems (PACS) and vendor neutral archivals (VNA) to
manage image archives and for record-keeping and billing within a hospital information
system (HIS).

✓ The functions of an RIS are patient management, scheduling, patient tracking, results
reporting, image tracking, and billing.