Royal Philips, recognized globally for its innovative health technology solutions, has announced a significant breakthrough that enhances access to radiology expertise for diagnostic imaging for a wider patient base. The recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) approval grants Philips Radiology Operations Command Center (ROCC) the ability to offer remote scanning and credentialed protocol adjustment functions. With these features, expert radiologists can virtually support technologists by controlling scans or fine-tuning protocols, facilitating the production of high-quality images that bolster diagnostic certainty and enhance patient care.
“With ROCC, innovation paves the way for transforming our daily radiology processes. It enhances our imaging potential, provides flexible staffing options, and ultimately, allows us to treat a higher number of patients efficiently, improving the overall standard of healthcare services,” stated Sherri Lewman, senior vice president of Enterprise Imaging at Tampa General Hospital.
ROCC stands as an adaptable, secure, and comprehensive imaging solution, extensively deployed across North American and European markets. It integrates with any vendor-specific MR or CT setups, effectively linking imaging specialists within a command center to technologists stationed at various scanning facilities within their organization. At Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in London, UK, a preliminary study demonstrated a 9% increase in overall scanning efficiency due to reduced scan durations and a zero percent recall rate for exams during the study period.
ROCC’s remote scanning functionalities empower experienced users to modify MR and CT scanner interfaces in real time, regardless of their location, all while maintaining privacy, safety, and security standards. The platform facilitates remote collaboration between imaging specialists and on-site technologists, fostering precise first-time imaging acquisition to promote more efficient and improved healthcare delivery.
“Medical providers are increasingly facing the challenge of insufficient skilled technologists for patient imaging procedures, especially for intricate exams like cardiac MR,” noted Shiv Gopalkrishnan, Philips’ leader in patient care informatics. “With the ROCC’s 510(k) clearance, which encompasses remote scanning and protocol management capabilities, we are further enabling healthcare professionals to provide the swift diagnoses patients require and helping to advance care for more individuals.”