Online platform for imaging exams of Regional Health Service under implementation is more valuable for patients, says Rui Luís
The Regional Secretary for Health stated in Horta that the Imaging Information System that is being implemented at regional hospitals and health centres as well as at the Azores Oncology Centre will benefit patients.
"The implementation of this unique online platform is of paramount importance as far as it will further improve the accessibility of health professionals and patients to the examinations performed at any health facility. Besides, it will contribute to greater efficiency and savings, being reflected on the reduction of patient movements and on the number of examinations performed," said Rui Luís.
The Secretary for Health spoke at the opening of the fifth Workshop on Good Practices in Health, stressing that this tool safeguards the interoperability of the different information systems in the Region.
The Imaging Information System, which involves an investment of nearly 1.4 million Euros, provides for a centralised solution that allows the sharing of information regarding radiology exams performed in hospitals and health units.
This system is associated with a web platform to which health professionals may access from any health facility in the archipelago, giving them the possibility to consult patient history and conduct telediagnosis; therefore, patients will benefit from faster diagnoses.
"Communication between systems is one of the areas on which the Government has worked hard with the certainty that this platform will decisively contribute to good health practices," said Rui Luís.
The Regional Secretary pointed out that about 1.4 million examinations have been performed over the last five years, from x-rays to MRIs and CT scans, which demonstrate the reach of this platform.
This is one of the 13 innovative projects presented at the Workshop on Good Practices in Health. They evidence the constant concern with sensitive areas, such as parenting, mental health, outpatient surgeries, organisational management and the safety of patients, caregivers and professionals.
"These areas are in line with the guiding principles of the Regional Government in addressing emerging needs in the area of maternal and child health, health promotion and optimisation of existing resources for a better care response," said the Regional Secretary.
Rui Luís considered that the fifth edition of this workshop demonstrates the number of regional projects on good practices, which is corroborated by some distinctions and the financing of projects of excellence at national level.
"This is an excellent moment for professionals and health institutions in the Region to benchmark these projects by disseminating and adapting them to enhance the knowledge and experience of those have implemented them as pilot projects," said Rui Luís.