Patient Journey

Since we started out, Global Diagnostics has always been at the forefront of technological advancement embracing world class technologies to deliver the highest quality radiology imaging and reporting services possible. This has meant that final diagnostic reports are available on the referrer desktop within days or even hours enabling any necessary management or treatment plans to be implemented as soon as possible. 

The following describes in detail the different stages in the patient journey from when the appointment is made right through to the referring doctor receiving the final report. 

1. Request

GP or specialist request a scan

Step 1a 
A Patient is see by a doctor and is referred to the closest Global Diagnostics Clinic  (see / search a list of locations here) for a specific investigation. The referring doctor may either request the investigation by phone, fax or e-mail. Once the referral is received the patient is contacted within 24 hours to confirm a date and time for their appointment.


Step 1b
The patient arrives at the Global Diagnostics clinic at the appointment time and is greeted by our reception staff. Their personal information is logged into the secured, encrypted Radiology Information System (RIS). The RIS creates a unique patient record which contains the patient's age, sex, DOB, clinical details, medical history etc.

2.  Exam is carried out

The scan is completed

Step 2a
The scan is completed by one of our highly trained, appropriately qualified and accredited staff using the latest generation scanners. Once completed, these images are transmitted using a system called PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System).  All imaging outputs conform to an internationally agreed standard known as DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). Both the RIS and PACS systems are then seamlessly integrated to ensure that digital images and patient data are securely linked in a single patient record.


Step 2b
The patient data is then encrypted and transmitted electronically to the designated reporting station. The Global Diagnostics scheduling team distributes the cases either locally, nationally or internationally depending upon the specific patient circumstances and radiologist availability. As the system is web-based anyone in the world with a broadband internet connection can then receive the case in seconds.

3.  Diagnosis

The scanned images are loaded onto a secure server and the diagnosis is made by a specialist 

Step 3a
Our reporting specialist views the patient data and digital images and formulates a diagnosis. The dictated diagnostic report is captured and embedded into a report using digital voice recognition (VR) software. The report, voice file and digital signature of the specialist are all packaged into the single, integrated patient record.


Step 3b
The patient report is then electronically stored on a central archive database. This data is then available for retrieval and future review, reproduction or retransmission for second opinions or clinical presentation.

4.  Report

Diagnosed report is immediately available to the referring clinican 

 
Step 4a
The patient report is then retransmitted back to the referring doctor's desktop PC monitor via the web-browser. Images embedded in the report are available for review by the referrer and, if relevant, discussion with the patient.  Alternatively the report may be faxed depending upon the particular requirement of the referring doctor.


Step 4b
Immediate implementation of the appropriate management plan for the patient by the referring clinician is now possible. The entire cycle from initial request to completed diagnosis arriving on the clinician's desktop is reduced to days or even hours.