Transforming Image Management with Dedalus and the DeepUnity Suite

University Hospital Bonn, Germany

Transforming Image Management with Dedalus and the DeepUnity Suite

University Hospital Bonn (UKB), one of Germany’s leading healthcare institutions, faced a significant challenge with fragmented medical imaging data. Over the years, departments had resorted to storing images on CDs or USB hard drives, creating a decentralized and inefficient system that hindered quick access to patient information. This fragmented approach, along with isolated PACS systems, unstandardized workflows, and hard-to-access images, was slowing down both collaboration between specialists and the overall quality of patient care.

Recognizing the need for change, UKB sought to standardize its data management by creating a unified, vendor-neutral archive (VNA) capable of consolidating all medical imaging data across its departments. The goal was clear: eliminate isolated data silos and integrate imaging systems into one centralized electronic archive, streamlining workflows and facilitating quick, efficient access to vital information.

How Dedalus Delivered

UKB turned to Dedalus HealthCare and its DeepUnity suite, a proven solution known for its seamless integration and innovative capabilities. Dedalus had already built a strong relationship with the hospital, thanks to positive experiences with PACS systems and Dedalus’ ability to integrate with key systems like ORBIS (HIS) and HYDMedia (ECM). DeepUnity stood out due to its unique ability to store both DICOM and non-DICOM data, a critical requirement for UKB as they aimed to include various specialties like ophthalmology and dentistry in the unified archive.

As Heiko Niggemeier, Team Leader of Image Data Management, explained, “It made sense to stay within one system cosmos to ensure seamless integration without interfaces.” This approach allowed the hospital to create a hospital-wide, universal image data archive that integrates all specialties, offers a universal viewer for various data formats, and enables swift access to imaging for faster, more efficient patient care.

Key Benefits

Implementing DeepUnity, including its Enterprise Vendor Neutral Archive (eVNA), wasn’t without its challenges. To ensure buy-in across all departments, UKB engaged in extensive discussions with key stakeholders, including chief physicians, and held workshops and training sessions for medical staff. These efforts paid off, as users began to experience firsthand the time savings and improved access to imaging and reports that the new system, with eVNA, provided.

The Impact

The impact of DeepUnity,  including its eVNA, on UKB’s operations has been transformative. Today, over 400 modalities are connected to the system, enabling seamless access to images and reports across all clinics. This integration has significantly enhanced collaboration between specialists and improved the speed and quality of consultations. Thanks to Dedalus, UKB has achieved its vision of a unified, efficient imaging system that supports better patient outcomes.

Want to know more?

If you want to learn how Dedalus can help transform your healthcare data management, connect with us today at RSNA 2024

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