Introduction
Various healthcare fields have been established to be intertwined, for example, health information technology and health management such that it is not easy for an individual to distinguish between them. Study has shown that almost all healthcare management areas in the health sector are using informatics support. Some of these areas demand improved and advanced informatics innovations and information technology, for example, in the clinical decision, x-ray, electronic health records, and analytics in health care data. These are fields that have been showing a probability of having growing promises of cost reduction, efficiency, and improved health care. The National Academic of Science has presented various reports that have established a high potential for HIT growth and transformation to ensure reduced costs and improved healthcare outcomes.
Because of these reasons, we conclude that this field has steadily grown over the last 15 years. The digital radiography systems have been noted to replace the analog systems currently. The DR systems are used together with X-ray detectors to read and record X-ray exposure data and output instantly in an electronic format, which is computer-readable. These system technologies have gained popularity in many industrial and medical areas because they have several capabilities, such as real-time acquisition, electronic archiving, and post-processing. Most radiography facilities have been facing challenges because of their positioning, which is usually a feature of DR detectors. There are significant advancements in the development of the DR systems, which form this paper’s basis. The paper will explore the various advances or innovations in informatics and information technology in healthcare, which has enhanced efficiency and reliability in patient care provision. One of the paper’s areas is how mobile and portable digital X-ray systems have been crucial to the health sector.
Historical background of X-rays
The use of radiotherapy and radiology started in 1895 when Professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made an X-ray discovery. After his efforts, the medical community all over the world realized the essence of this kind of discovery and were eager to study it. In the past two to three decades, the X-ray’s purpose was to locate bullets in soldiers who were wounded and diagnose the fractures. For instance, the first X-ray machine was installed at Alice Memorial Hospital in Hong Kong. As the X-ray machine is getting widely used globally, there have also been significant improvements in its design. For instance, the metallic X-ray machine was initially introduced in 1925, with its tube been shielded to bar unwanted X-ray exposure. In 1960 through the 1970s, radiography screens were further improved and fitted with better film purposely to provide less radiation for each direction. During this time, the designing of the image intensifiers was improved, helping produce better and quality images.
Moreover, an innovative change occurred in 1980 in radiography bringing in to the health sector digital radiographs. Nowadays, there is the existence of wireless and mobile X-ray system, which has the potential of enabling X-ray images to be captured and processed within a short period. In support of the argument relating to the relevance and importance of informatics and HIT in healthcare, we can primarily base our research on the demand and press to bring X-ray technology out of the X-ray rooms and make the services mobile. As claimed by care industry experts, the primary reason for the push is that there was an urgent need quality bedside imaging, and from which most of it was shifted to digital from analog. It was logistically challenging and time-consuming to obtain quality images traditionally for patients commonly located in ICU. Current research has shown that the call for convenience in taking quality images at the bedside leads to a new advancement in wireless capabilities and power management in mobile technology. The current position on the advancement of information technology and informatics in healthcare is primarily on the call for efficiency and cost-effective machines that can improve health care. The efficacy of the mobile and portable X-ray systems currently innovated in the health sector has confirmed that technological developments play a vital role in promoting improved healthcare to patients.
Methods and materials used in portable and mobile X-ray system
The imaging service and internal processing
Windows 7 OS is the PC embedded in the systems, and Exynos 4210 with a CPU of 1.2 GHz is used to enhance interaction with the smart devices. In the current advancement in HIT and informatics, a corrections algorithm that is usually performed in two steps is used in image processing radiography. For instance, most of the pixels were termed wrong with a 3×3 differentiation in the first step. If it were higher than the expected threshold value, it would be termed a bad pixel, from findings from linear interpolation of surrounding pixel values. The other step entails the DICOM file generation. Notably, when the files are generated, the image data is stored in a particular directory on the embedded computer.
The embedded PC has been established to entail a Web server functions to provide imaging service. The server is developed to refer to either the software or hardware to assist in delivering content that can be obtained via the internet. The primary function of the server is to generate DICOM files. It can also serve to convert JPEG image files requested by either communication modules or smart devices. One of the communication module adaptations is that it is capable of using the Web server to handle many device communications without the information getting lost. To provide imaging services in the DICM, which is in the embedded PC, an advanced and compressed version of the DICOM imaging was used in the JPEG format. The data or digital information related to the image is therefore stored in a database known as MySQL. This database has been studied to include features of the patient, for example, age, sex, name, among others, in image search purposes.
Mobile X-ray system design
Research has shown that most of the DR systems receive their X-ray signals that have been measured by the X-ray detector and passed through the patient. The signals are eventually converted to digital ones that get directly sent to PACS systems of the computer and image processing. The method for the embedded systems was designed while the portable DR system was getting developed. The advanced system suggested was aimed at bringing all the separate components together. For instance, the mini-mobile X-ray system with smart devices comprises of the FPD and the X-ray generator. The PC embedded in the computer system has been established to control the image processing services and the communicating services and use a Wi-Fi communication interface module to support the smart devices. The portable and mini-mobile X-ray system comprises a CMOS that is an FPD sensor-based and an X-ray source for small-scale diagnostics in patients. The X-ray system is 25kg less than the original one while the external interface is designed portable use. The system works under the principles of standardized conditions for radiation exposure.
Benefits of using a portable and mobile X-ray system
The modern era has advanced the healthcare sector to a new level. Through technological developments or innovations in digital radiography, most medical practitioners and companies have positively invested in portable and digital X-rays systems. Being a current trend in the health sector, manufacturers in X-ray machines will be very smart to central in their production. Research has established the use of mobile and portable X-ray systems benefits both the patients and the providers. The widely used machines have significantly transformed the face of diagnostic imaging services in the health sector. Below are some of the advantages that can be enjoyed in practicing the use of mobile and portable X-ray devices.
Safety
Radiation exposure has been established as one of the primary health care concerns for both the personnel and the patient in using traditional medical imaging equipment. Nowadays, there is a significant decrease in radiation exposure through modern technology and advancements in the use of devices like mobile and portable X-ray systems. The only notable feature in the device that has enhanced limited radiation exposure is the shield mounted on the front part of the portable X-ray systems that safeguard anyone from scattered radiations. This is one of the X-ray devices that have made HIT and informatics relevant in the healthcare sector.
Image Quality
Most of the features that are installed in the digital X-ray machines are high-tech. These features enable technologies to get access to high-quality images within a short period. There is no use of a film in the current laser scanner of the imaging device. The device consists of cassettes and phosphor plates that can be deleted effectively after use. This advancement has enabled technologists to comfortably integrate the images taken out in the field with the workstation while connected to the mobile and portable units.
Portability and mobility
Research has shown that one of the importance of incorporating the mobile X-ray in the healthcare systems is its ability to avoid extra movements and transport of patients. Notably, some of the hospital’s visits have proved to be causing more harm than good when patients are being transported to radiology departments for skeletal, chest, or abdominal X-ray examinations. The portable devices are significant enough as they eliminate unnecessary visits and transports and shifts in the patient’s body during X-ray examinations. Several mobile X-ray devices are fitted with a stand on their wheels while others are motorized to enable technologists to move the equipment quickly and in all positions freely. They may not also require an electrical plug for them to operate thoroughly. Most of the device units have been noted to easily fold up in smaller shapes, enabling them to be transported comfortably in vehicles. Portable X-ray systems provide better healthcare for patients and flexibility as the technologists can take images in all positions, for instance, when seated, standing, and lying down.
Speed
The technological advancements that have been made in remote and portable X-ray systems have enabled radiograph examinations that are made possible through the mobile imaging equipment to be processed with less speed and reduce long waiting times. The current machines have been studied to take just less than 20 minutes in doing an X-ray examination. The outcomes are easily accessed and at the right time, enabling them to be sent to the patient’s physician. This quick process has allowed for an immediate diagnosis to be done, and hence patients can receive immediate therapy.
Cost-effectiveness
In many cases, transporting patients is highly expensive. The use of the current mobile and portable X-ray devices has proved to be advantageous socially and economically by reducing the use of ambulance services and taxi transportation from the hospital. The innovations in this field have helped cut down the overall costs.
Quality of patient care
This is another benefit that has been noted with the incorporation of modern technology in the health sector. For instance, the efficiency in digital imaging technology has helped reduce X-ray examination retakes because the devices usually provide accurate and fast information. The technologists and patients wait for less time as the film is being developed, and they do not worry about the production of a poor-quality image. The mobile X-rays have the potential of creating accurate and fast outcomes without engaging the patients to risks.
Challenges and solutions to adoption of the current advancements in mobile and portable X-ray systems
Technological advancements and innovations are playing a vital role in the health sector. Despite these efforts to shift imaging technology from analog to digital, some of the challenges have hindered the adoption of the new technology, but appropriate measures have currently been developed. Any fruitful infrastructure designed in an organization has its relevance and importance, and at the same time, it can face specific inhibitors during its adoption. The following are some of the challenges or issues experienced in the course of adoption of the advancements.
Data protection
Research has established that there are limitations in most of the mobile device’s hardware, which prevents the usage of strong encryption algorithms. Strong encryption is usually recommended for high levels of patient information security. Most of the OS used in the mobile devices is not entirely designed to enable secure transactions, for instance, in the payment of bills. Supporting informatics and information technology incorporated in mobile devices, I would recommend that with the converging mobile and technologies in computers, cryptographic algorithms should be high all through and low in bandwidth. Most of the information regarding patients existing in mobile devices means a matter of life and death and hence to be highly protected. The mobile X-ray systems need to be fitted with freefall detectors in them, in such a way that they can be able to shut down when they fall. This will help uphold their relevance in ensuring security and improved health care to patients.
Responsibility for errors
To defend the current position of the relevance of healthcare information systems and informatics in mobile and portable X-ray systems, several people may raise concerns about how the innovations will cater to errors occurring in the healthcare sector. History has shown that medical errors have frequently been happening in the general healthcare sector, causing harm to patients, for example, misinterpretation of data in the new devices. Some of these errors have been noted to be causing emotional and economic loss to both the patient and the associated family. The mobile healthcare system, for example, in mobile and portable X-ray system department, clear guidelines and principles should be defined. The guidelines comprise regulations on how the resultant costs incurred will be covered and the persons to blame.
The limited size of screens in mobile and portable x-ray systems
Research has shown that most of the mobile devices’ screens are smaller compared to those used in desktop versions. This aspect limits the type of information that is more sensible to view and interpret. Several users are usually convenient working with large screen devices in departments like those involving X-rays. As per the recommendations given by many physicians, the screens should be made horizontally rather than been vertically-oriented. For medical images, the screen should be of high resolution to read the images correctly.
The mobile and portable device’s authorization and authentication
Mobile healthcare applications like the mobile and portable X-ray systems have many users, such as administrators, staff, and physicians. Sometimes, access to medical data in portable and mobile devices might not appropriately be controlled, hence leading to the system’s threat. This is one of the areas that need to be strengthened if the current advancement in informatics and information technology wants to remain relevant in the health sector. The portable and mobile X-ray system is installed with an authentication process that can only allow authorized users to access the patient’s information.
Conclusion
Technology has been highly growing day by day in the healthcare sector. All the innovations and advancements in significant areas, such as developing a portable and mobile X-ray system, are realized towards ensuring better health care to the patients. Though several challenges can be experienced in the health sector to adopt modern technology, adequate resources should be allocated to healthcare to buy it. The digital X-ray devices are very convenient to use as they work faster and more accurately than the analog machines. All health stakeholders should positively defend the position and use of these systems as they will change the health care sector’s face and improve the patient’s outcome.