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Connected Health: The Future of Healthcare

By Stephanie Pan

We have covered both Telemedicine and Telehealth in our previous AVer Experts, but we still haven’t introduced a term that has been increasingly used in recent years, and that is “Connected Health”. At the moment, there is no standard or universally accepted definition of what Connected Health is; however, a commonly referenced definition was given by researchers Caulfield and Donnelly, in which they stated that “Connected Health encompasses terms such as wireless, digital, electronic, mobile, and telehealth and refers to a conceptual model for health management where devices, services or interventions are designed around the patient’s needs, and health-related data is shared, in such a way that the patient can receive care in the most proactive and efficient manner possible.” In other words, it can be seen as an umbrella term for concepts such as telehealth, telemedicine, mobile health (mHealth), and more. It can also be defined as connecting every stakeholder, whether it be doctors, nurses, or patients, through various technologies and means of sharing information in regard to the patient’s status and well-being.

With how rapid information and communication technologies are advancing, there is a paradigm shift in the healthcare industry, suggesting that predictive and pre-emptive healthcare solutions should not only be personalized but also pervasive. While there are a lot of topics that we can tackle regarding Connected Health, we will start off with the basics for today as an introduction to this new model of healthcare delivery that is enabled by technology.

Why is Connected Health Important?

To understand what Connected Health is, it’d be better to start by knowing its essential concept first. Connected Health is thought to be a more proactive model of healthcare delivery compared to its more traditional counterparts in the sense that medical technologies and services are designed around the patient’s needs. What this means is that it puts the patient at the center of the entire process, regardless of their location or circumstances. In doing so, Connected Health, or more specifically the tools of Connected Health, has the potential to not only empower clinicians with more efficient and up-to-date data but also encourage patient engagement by providing them with key information at the tip of their fingertips. Connected Health is also especially relevant today because of the ongoing global pandemic. Due to Covid-19, many healthcare deliveries are affected, causing patient management to be difficult to maintain. As such, Connected Health is becoming an indispensable source of these issues, especially for patients with the coronavirus or chronic illness that require routine follow-ups and monitoring. What’s more, is that evidence from meta-analyses and systemic reviews have already been reported to support this claim.

Enhancing Patients and Healthcare Experience

Aside from its relevance, Connected Health is also helpful in improving patient care and overall patient experience. As you’d probably guess, this is mostly achieved via the tools of Connected Health. Currently, the most common tools include mobile healthcare apps, wearable devices, connected medical devices, interoperable medical ICT systems, and remote patient monitoring technologies. Through these tools, the patient’s needs, and health status can be constantly monitored across different clinical settings, leading to earlier interventions and fewer possibilities of adverse events. Additionally, wearable devices and mobile apps can also help identify individuals that are at risk by monitoring their vital signs and symptoms in real-time. This information can then be shared with the healthcare professionals, allowing them to deliver preventative care in a proactive and timely manner. To top it off, patients having access to their health status also allows them to feel more in control, which in turn increases their self-efficacy and satisfaction.

While there is definitely room for growth and improvement in the future, Connected Health is undoubtedly a dynamic and fast moving area of digital health that holds the potential to transform healthcare for the better.
Last Updated: June 21, 2024

About the Author

Stephanie Pan is a Brand Communication Strategist at AVer Information, working out of Taipei, Taiwan. She crafts press releases, blog posts, and other marketing materials to support AVer’s global branding efforts.

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Return on Investment of Medical Grade Displays vs Consumer Grade Displays

Return on Investment of Medical Grade Displays vs Consumer Grade Displays

Medical grade displays are essential in the field of radiology, enabling accurate interpretation of medical images. But with the rise of cheaper consumer displays with similar features, it’s important to consider the return on investment (ROI) of investing in medical grade displays. Here are some factors to consider:

  1. Warranty Period: Medical grade displays usually come with longer warranties than consumer displays, typically ranging from three to five years. A longer warranty period can provide peace of mind, as it covers repairs or replacements in case of malfunction. It’s important to consider the cost of repairs or replacement, and compare it to the cost of investing in a medical grade display with a longer warranty.
  2. Power Consumption: Medical grade displays are designed to be energy-efficient, with low power consumption in both active and standby modes. This can lead to significant savings on electricity bills, especially in hospitals or clinics with multiple displays. It’s important to consider the difference in power consumption between medical grade displays and consumer displays, and calculate the potential savings over time.
  3. Usage: Medical grade displays are designed to be used for long hours, typically between 8 to 12 hours per day. Consumer displays may not be designed for such extended usage, and may not produce accurate and consistent images over time. It’s important to consider the hours per day the display is being used, and compare it to the cost of investing in a medical grade display.
  4. Cost of the Display: Medical grade displays are generally more expensive than consumer displays. However, the cost should be considered in relation to the potential savings from longer warranty periods, lower power consumption, and more extended usage. It’s important to calculate the potential ROI of investing in a medical grade display, taking into account these factors.
  5. Comparison with Consumer Displays: Some doctors may opt for cheaper consumer displays with similar features, but it’s essential to consider the risks and potential costs associated with inaccurate interpretation of medical images. Medical grade displays are designed to meet industry standards for brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy, ensuring reliable and accurate interpretation of medical images. It’s important to compare the features and specifications of medical grade displays with consumer displays and consider the potential risks and costs associated with choosing a cheaper option.

In conclusion, investing in medical grade displays can lead to significant ROI in the long run, taking into account the longer warranty periods, lower power consumption, and extended usage. It’s essential to compare the cost of medical grade displays with the potential savings and benefits, and consider the potential risks and costs associated with choosing a cheaper option.

For more information, contact us open +270824698816 or email us info@fusionmedical.co.za

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Is it time to upgrade or change your medical display?

Diagnostic grayscale displays are critical tools used in the medical industry for accurate diagnosis and evaluation of medical images. These displays are designed to provide high-quality, accurate grayscale images that can aid in the diagnosis of various medical conditions. However, like all electronic devices, these displays can deteriorate over time, which can affect their accuracy and reliability. In this article, we will discuss the points to consider when deciding whether it’s time for an update of your diagnostic grayscale displays, with an additional focus on Uniform Luminance, DICOM compliance, and Return on Investment.

  1. Age of the display: The age of the diagnostic grayscale display is an essential factor to consider when deciding whether to update or replace it. Most manufacturers recommend replacing diagnostic grayscale displays after five years of use. However, the lifespan of a display may vary depending on usage, maintenance, and environment. If your diagnostic grayscale display is more than five years old, it may be time to consider an update.

  1. DICOM compliance wiith industry standards is critical when it comes to diagnostic grayscale displays. The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) have established specific standards that diagnostic grayscale displays must meet to ensure accurate and reliable results. Additionally, DICOM compliance is necessary for the proper display of medical images. DICOM compliance ensures that the images are displayed correctly and can be shared with other DICOM-compliant devices. If your diagnostic grayscale display does not comply with these standards or if it is outdated, it may be time to consider an update.

  1. Calibration and Uniform Luminance: Calibration is the process of adjusting a diagnostic grayscale display to ensure that it produces accurate and consistent images. Regular calibration is essential for diagnostic grayscale displays, as an uncalibrated display can produce images that are inaccurate and unreliable, leading to incorrect diagnoses and evaluations. Uniform Luminance is another critical factor to consider when deciding whether to update your diagnostic grayscale display. Uniform Luminance ensures that the display has consistent brightness across the entire screen, ensuring that the images are accurate and reliable. If you notice that your diagnostic grayscale display requires frequent recalibration, or that the Uniform Luminance is not achieving the desired results, it may be time to consider an update.

  1. Image quality: The image quality of a diagnostic grayscale display is critical to its usefulness and reliability. A diagnostic grayscale display that produces images with poor contrast, brightness, or resolution can lead to incorrect diagnoses and evaluations. If you notice that the image quality of your diagnostic grayscale display is deteriorating or that it is not meeting your requirements, it may be time to consider an update.

  1. Return on Investment: Return on Investment (ROI) is an essential factor to consider when deciding whether to update or replace a diagnostic grayscale display. While an update or replacement may require a significant initial investment, it can provide significant long-term benefits, such as improved accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. Additionally, a new diagnostic grayscale display may have additional features and functionalities that can improve workflow and productivity. By considering the potential ROI, you can make an informed decision about whether to update or replace your diagnostic grayscale display.

In conclusion, diagnostic grayscale displays are essential tools that require regular updates and maintenance to ensure their accuracy, reliability, and usability. When deciding whether to update or replace your diagnostic grayscale display, consider the age of the display, compliance with industry standards and DICOM compliance, calibration and Uniform Luminance, image quality, and return on investment. By doing so, you can ensure that your diagnostic grayscale display is always up-to-date and reliable, enabling you to produce accurate and reliable diagnostic images.

For more information, contact us open +270824698816 or email us info@fusionmedical.co.za

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Important elements that make up a Medical grade Diagnostic reporting Displays

Important elements that make up a Medical grade Diagnostic reporting Displays

Medical imaging technology has revolutionized the way doctors diagnose and treat patients. High-quality medical displays are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Medical-grade diagnostic displays have several features that set them apart from consumer-grade displays. These features include high resolution, high brightness, color accuracy, uniformity, DICOM compliance, calibration, contrast ratio, and viewing angle. These features work together to provide medical professionals with the accurate and detailed images they need to make informed decisions about patient care. In this summary, we will discuss these features in more detail and explore their importance in medical imaging.

  1. High resolution: Medical-grade diagnostic displays typically have a higher resolution than consumer-grade displays. This allows for greater detail and accuracy when viewing medical images.
  2. High brightness: Medical displays must be bright enough to ensure that images can be clearly seen in well-lit rooms. This is especially important in operating rooms and other clinical settings.
  3. Color accuracy: Medical images must be displayed with high color accuracy to ensure that doctors and other medical professionals can make accurate diagnoses.
  4. Uniformity: The display must have uniform brightness and color across the entire screen to prevent image distortion and inaccuracies.
  5. DICOM compliance: Displays used for medical imaging must be compliant with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standards to ensure that images are displayed correctly and consistently.
  6. Calibration: Medical-grade diagnostic displays must be calibrated regularly to ensure accurate color and brightness levels.
  7. Contrast ratio: The display must have a high contrast ratio to ensure that images are displayed with sufficient detail and clarity.
  8. Viewing angle: The display must have a wide viewing angle to allow multiple medical professionals to view the images simultaneously.

High resolution refers to the level of detail that can be displayed on a digital image or screen. It is typically measured in terms of the number of pixels that can be displayed horizontally and vertically on a display screen. The more pixels a display has, the higher its resolution will be, and the more detailed and sharp the images will appear.

In medical imaging, high resolution is particularly important because it allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, contain a vast amount of information that must be accurately displayed on a screen for medical professionals to interpret. If the resolution of the display is too low, critical details may be missed, potentially leading to incorrect diagnoses or treatment plans.

To achieve high resolution in a medical-grade diagnostic display, manufacturers often use advanced technologies such as high-density LCD panels, LED backlighting, and pixel-shifting techniques. These technologies allow for the display of more detailed images with greater accuracy and clarity.

Medical-grade diagnostic displays typically have higher resolution than consumer-grade displays. While consumer displays may have a resolution of 1080p or 4K, medical displays can have resolutions up to 8K or higher. This higher resolution allows for greater detail and accuracy when viewing medical images, and can help medical professionals make more informed diagnoses and treatment plans.

Overall, high resolution is an essential component of medical-grade diagnostic displays, as it allows for accurate and detailed imaging that is critical for medical diagnosis and treatment.

High brightness refers to a display technology that is designed to produce brighter and more vibrant images than traditional displays. This technology is used in a variety of applications, including digital signage, outdoor displays, and large format displays.

The brightness of a display is measured in units of nits or cd/m2, with higher numbers indicating a brighter display. High brightness displays typically have a brightness level of at least 700 nits, with some displays exceeding 1,000 nits or more.

One of the key features of high brightness displays is their ability to produce vivid and clear images even in bright sunlight or other high ambient light conditions. This makes them ideal for outdoor applications, where traditional displays may be difficult to see.

High brightness displays use a number of different technologies to achieve their bright and vibrant images. Some displays use LED backlights to provide bright and uniform lighting across the entire display, while others use advanced optical coatings to increase the amount of light that is reflected off the display.

In addition to their high brightness, these displays are also designed to be durable and weather-resistant, with features such as water-resistant casings, ruggedized construction, and anti-glare coatings.

High brightness displays are used in a variety of applications, including outdoor advertising, public information displays, retail displays, and digital signage. They are also used in industrial and military applications, where high brightness displays are needed for use in harsh environments.

Overall, high brightness displays offer a powerful and effective way to communicate with audiences in a variety of settings, providing clear and vibrant images even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

Colour accuracy is another critical factor to consider when comparing medical grade displays with commercial grade displays. Medical displays require high colour accuracy to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. In medical imaging, colour plays an essential role in distinguishing between healthy and abnormal tissue. Any subtle changes in the colour of the tissue can affect the diagnosis and, ultimately, the treatment outcome. Therefore, medical displays must have a high degree of colour accuracy to enable physicians to identify small changes in tissue colour accurately.

In contrast, commercial displays do not require the same level of colour accuracy. While colour accuracy is still important in commercial applications, it is not as critical as it is in medical imaging. In some commercial applications, such as advertising and marketing, the colour of the image may be adjusted for artistic or aesthetic purposes, rather than for accurate colour reproduction.

Medical displays achieve high colour accuracy through various technologies, such as LED backlighting, advanced colour calibration, and the use of colour gamuts such as sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3. Additionally, medical displays undergo rigorous colour accuracy testing and are regularly calibrated to ensure consistent and accurate colour reproduction.

Commercial displays, on the other hand, may use less advanced colour calibration technologies and may not undergo the same level of colour accuracy testing as medical displays. This can result in variations in colour reproduction between different displays and even within the same display over time.

Overall, the high degree of colour accuracy required for medical grade displays sets them apart from commercial grade displays and highlights the importance of using the right type of display in medical imaging applications.

Uniformity of luminance refers to the consistency of brightness across the entire screen of a medical grade display. This is important because if there are areas of the screen that are brighter or darker than others, it can lead to inaccuracies in the interpretation of medical images, which can have serious consequences for patient care. To ensure uniformity of luminance, medical grade displays are manufactured with highly precise and calibrated components, including backlighting systems and display controllers. In addition, manufacturers typically perform extensive testing and quality control measures to ensure that each display meets strict uniformity standards before it is released to the market. Overall, uniformity of luminance is a crucial factor to consider when evaluating medical grade displays for use in healthcare settings.

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Compliance refers to the adherence of a medical device or software to the DICOM standard, which is an international standard for the communication, management, and archival of medical imaging information. The DICOM standard specifies how medical images and associated information should be stored, transmitted, and viewed to ensure that images are displayed consistently and accurately across different systems and devices.

For diagnostic medical grade displays, DICOM compliance is crucial as it ensures that images are displayed accurately and consistently. Medical images, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, are used for diagnosis and treatment planning, and even slight variations in the display of these images can have significant consequences. DICOM compliance ensures that medical images are displayed in a manner that is consistent with their intended use and provides a level of confidence in the accuracy of the images.

To achieve DICOM compliance, medical displays must meet certain standards and requirements, such as displaying images according to the DICOM Grayscale Standard Display Function (GSDF) curve, which specifies how luminance values in medical images should be mapped to display luminance values. DICOM also requires displays to undergo regular quality control testing, including uniformity and luminance tests, to ensure that images are displayed accurately and consistently over time.

Overall, DICOM compliance is essential in ensuring the accuracy and consistency of medical images displayed on diagnostic medical grade displays. By adhering to DICOM standards, medical professionals can have greater confidence in the images they are viewing, leading to more accurate diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.

Calibration is the process of adjusting the settings of a device to ensure that it produces accurate and consistent results. In the context of diagnostic medical grade displays, calibration is a critical process that ensures that the display produces accurate and consistent images that can be relied upon for diagnostic purposes.

During the calibration process, a measurement device is used to analyze the output of the display and compare it to a set of standards or reference images. The calibration software then adjusts the display settings to bring it into compliance with these standards. This typically involves adjusting the brightness, contrast, and color accuracy of the display to ensure that it is displaying images as accurately as possible.

The importance of calibration in diagnostic medical grade displays cannot be overstated. Inaccurate or inconsistent displays can lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses, which can have serious consequences for patient health. Calibration is therefore essential to ensure that the images displayed on the screen accurately reflect the underlying data and can be relied upon for diagnosis.

In addition to ensuring accuracy and consistency, calibration is also an important part of maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations. Many regulatory bodies require regular calibration of medical displays to ensure that they are performing as expected and meeting the necessary standards for medical imaging.

DICOM calibration refers to the process of adjusting the display characteristics of a diagnostic medical display to meet the standards set by the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) organization. DICOM calibration is essential in ensuring that medical images are accurately displayed, which is critical for making accurate diagnoses.

DICOM calibration involves adjusting the brightness and contrast of the display, as well as the color temperature, to match the DICOM grayscale display function (GSDF) curve. The GSDF curve is a mathematical formula that ensures consistent and accurate display of grayscale images across different types of medical displays. Calibration also involves adjusting the gamma and white point settings of the display, to ensure that images are displayed with the correct brightness and contrast levels.

DICOM calibration is important for maintaining the accuracy and consistency of medical images, especially when images are compared over time or between different displays. Without proper calibration, there can be significant variations in image quality and brightness, which can lead to incorrect diagnoses or misinterpretation of medical images.

In addition to meeting DICOM standards, medical displays must also comply with other regulations and standards, such as those set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). These regulations help to ensure that medical displays are safe and effective for use in diagnosing and treating patients.

Contrast ratio refers to the difference between the darkest and brightest areas on a display. In the context of diagnostic medical grade displays, contrast ratio is an important factor because it affects the ability of healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose medical conditions.

In medical imaging, the contrast ratio of a display is a critical factor in determining the visibility of certain details in an image. If the contrast ratio is too low, it can be difficult to distinguish between different shades of gray, which can lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnoses. Conversely, if the contrast ratio is too high, it can create a harsh, overly bright image that can also lead to misinterpretation of the image.

To ensure that diagnostic medical displays have a consistent and accurate contrast ratio, manufacturers typically use a variety of calibration techniques. These techniques are designed to adjust the display’s settings to achieve optimal levels of brightness and contrast, while also ensuring that the display complies with relevant industry standards and guidelines.

In addition to proper calibration, healthcare facilities should also take steps to regularly inspect and maintain their diagnostic medical displays. This can include monitoring the displays for signs of wear and tear, cleaning the displays regularly to ensure optimal image quality, and replacing displays that are no longer functioning properly. By taking these steps, healthcare professionals can ensure that they are using diagnostic medical displays that are accurate, reliable, and capable of delivering high-quality medical imaging results.

Viewing angle refers to the range of angles at which an observer can accurately see an image on a display without experiencing any distortion or color shifting. It is an important factor to consider when selecting a medical grade display for diagnostic imaging, as healthcare professionals need to be able to view images from various angles and positions.

For medical professionals who are examining images with critical details, a wide viewing angle is important to ensure that the image is clearly visible from any angle. A narrow viewing angle could lead to issues such as color distortion, brightness reduction, and loss of contrast, which can ultimately lead to misdiagnosis or inaccurate treatment plans.

To ensure that a medical grade display provides a wide and accurate viewing angle, manufacturers typically use high-quality panel technologies and incorporate features such as wide viewing angle filters. These filters work by reducing the amount of light reflected off the screen and scattered in various directions, allowing for more consistent and accurate image viewing across a wider range of angles.

It is important to note that while wider viewing angles are typically desirable, there are limits to the range of angles that a display can support. Users should consult with manufacturers and test displays under real-world conditions to ensure that they provide adequate viewing angles for their specific needs.

For more information, contact us open +270824698816 or email us info@fusionmedical.co.za

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