Must-See Information Technology Sessions at RSNA 2011

Virtualized and cloud-based image exchanges, mobile computing devices, decision support, and appropriate imaging are among the key informatics (IT) topics covered in the “Top 10 Must-See IT Sessions” at RSNA 2011, the 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, which will be held Nov. 27 to Dec. 2 in Chicago, IL.

To learn more about what attendees can expect to find in radiology IT this year at RSNA, we talked to one of the leading visionaries in the field, Rasu B. Shrestha, MD, MBA, Vice President of Medical IT and Medical Director of Interoperability & Imaging Informatics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Shrestha is also a member of the Applied Radiology Editorial Advisory Board.

Dr. Shrestha identified some of the leading trends in IT that will headline the meeting, adding, “I believe these sessions will steal the show.”

“Radiology requires more efficient sharing of images across multiple communities,” he said. This can be achieved “by leveraging the power of the cloud, and addressing XDS and XDSI—the cross-enterprise document sharing profiles.” The session “Image Sharing: From Digital Media to Cloud Solutions Employing IHE Profiles,” will provide solutions to ongoing IT issues, such as interoperability and the emergence of true-enterprise imaging strategies, based on unified and streamlined strategies around radiology, cardiology, pathology, dermatology, ophthalmology, and other clinical specializations.

For early adopters and the majority alike, the session “Radiology Informatics Series: Mobile Computing Devices” will provide insights into mobile platforms, security, and how to leverage the iPad to interact with imaging data. “I think there is going to be an increasing role of mobile devices in radiology, especially with the advent of cloud-based computing and zero-footprint client viewers—whether it’s on your mobile phone, laptop or clinical workstation,” Dr. Shrestha said.

Dr. Shrestha sees the link between IT and clinical outcomes merging with initiatives like Meaningful Use, appropriate imaging, and decision support. “With appropriate imaging and accountable care, we are going to be pushed from an economic and clinical practice perspective to make sure we are pursuing appropriate imaging,” he said.

The session “Decision Support in Clinical Practice” will address the impact of quantitative image analysis, decision support, and knowledge discovery on improved outcomes. Dr. Shrestha stressed, “This will be one of the centers of focus for radiology in the next few years.”

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