Radiology at Columbia Asia: A consolidated effort

After analysing the radiology department of Kohinoor Hospital, Mumbai in the October 2012 issue of In Imaging, it is the turn of Columbia Asia Hospital, Bangalore to come under our scanner. It is one of the hospitals in Columbia Asia group’s chain of 16 medical facilities spread across India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia. Following the group’s strategy of targeting neighbourhoods, rather than the central cities, Columbia Asia Hospital in Bangalore is built in Hebbal and a multi-speciality hospital catering to the rapidly advancing middle-income group.

Focussing on the radiology department in this hospital, Columbia Asia Hospital in Hebbal reportedly has a full-fledged department offering radiology services to its patients from 2005. Dr Harsha Rajaram, General Manager, Telemedicine, Columbia Asia Hospitals informs that since then, every subsequent hospital of Columbia Asia has a radiology department housed in its premises. Over the last three years, all the individual radiology departments of this hospital chain have been connected to form a larger, virtual radiology group – The Columbia Asia Radiology Group (CARG). It collectively serves all the Columbia Asia Hospitals and other external radiology departments as well. This consolidation has augmented the hospital’s capacity as well as helped to optimise expertise and ensure 24 x 7 x 365 days coverage for the benefit of its patients.

Infrastructure

Planning and designing a radiology department requires considerations in terms of infrastructure. The radiology department at Columbia Asia’s Hospital in Hebbal, Bangalore gets a good score when it comes to infrastructure. Dr Rajaram informs, “Work flow considerations — patient (inpatient, outpatient) and staff movement, image flow, and proximity of radiology to other needy departments like emergency were considered during designing the department. In addition, peak load management and resource optimisation were also prime considerations.” He also informed that a lot of thought was given to ensure patient comfort and many visual, kinesthetic and auditory aspects were taken into account to ensure that every patient is made to feel safe and comfortable. “Design and training considerations are made keeping in mind that patients are generally distressed, traumatised and disoriented when they come into the department,” says Dr Rajaram. Other practical considerations like availability of water, restrooms next to the ultrasound room, aesthetics and audio aids in MRI etc are also features that are part of the radiology department at Columbia Asia.

Investments and returns

The investments in the radiology department of Columbia Asia have been made to ensure smooth, effective and efficient working of the department. It is also done with an objective the funds allocated should be put to optimum utilisation. Hence, Columbia Asia Hospitals conduct an analysis which includes clinical relevance, technical assessment and financial feasibility before investing in the equipment. Similarly, an investment in PACS, RIS and integration with HIS ensures ease for clinical care and patient flow. Thus, a lot of planning is done before investing in the radiology department. “Budgets for the radiology department are allocated based on the strategy and Columbia Asia standards,” informs Dr Rajaram.

Equipment and technology

Equipment forms the spinal cord of a radiology department. Hence, choice of equipment must be relevant to the medical specialities offered by the hospital and must enhance the diagnostic efficiency of the clinicians.

Hence, every Columbia Asia hospital is equipped with an X-ray machine, two ultrasound machines and a CT machine. Availability of an MRI is based on the need of the population which the hospital serves. A PACS system has been installed in the hospital to ensure that all the images and reports are available at the point of care. The teleradiology software installed in all the departments help to enhance connectivity and easy access to expertise round the clock. “The departmental design, patient flow and appropriate use of technology to ensure safety and aid clinical care have been the key features of our department. PACS, work-flow solutions and integration with HIS and EMR have made our hospitals completely filmless. It has also ensured that the images are available to the clinician the very movement it is acquired, aiding faster clinical care and seamless patient management,” claims Dr Rajaram.

Personnel

The importance of skilled and trained personnel is of paramount importance to ensure smooth functioning of any department. It is same for the radiology department as well. Hence, Columbia Asia Hospital, Hebbal has a full fledged team of professionals working in its radiology department to ensure that its patients receive quality service is the best possible manner.

Headed by Dr Shalini Govil and Dr Harsha Chadaga, the staff employed in the radiology department at Columbia Asia comprises:

• Radiologists
• Technical Staff (radiographers and technicians)
• Administrative staff

Each department’s administration is handled by a radiology manager appointed by the local hospital.

The team’s role involves assuring

• Efficiency to take care of the variable load across hospitals
• Complete spectrum of sub speciailties services (neuro radiology, musculoskeletal radiology, etc.)

A good working team of radiologists across the radiology department at Columbia Hospitals have helped the management to consolidate the CARG which serves all the patients seeking radiology services as well as provide reporting services to over 30 non Columbia Asia clients with the same standards of service delivery. All the external clients and the Columbia Asia hospitals are serviced by a common work bench which enables 24/7 coverage and subspeciality services to all the clients. It has also helped the hospital chain to standardise protocols, processes and reporting as well as helped to share learnings and best practices.

Safety

Safety is a prime consideration where hospitals, especially the radiology departments are concerned. A far as the safety measures at Columbia Asia’s radiology department is concerned, Dr Rajaram informs, “Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) regulations and MRI zoning principles are some infrastructure considerations that are strictly adhered to while designing and building the department. An ongoing monitoring system which includes MRI screening, radiation monitoring procedures (TLD, Scattered Ray survey, LEAD Apron Monitoring system) are defined and followed. Continuous training and appropriate signage ensures staff and patient awareness and adherence to these procedures.” Thus safety is given paramount importance and all the needed safety measures are in place at the radiology department of Columbia Hospital, Hebbal.

All in all, the radiology department at the hospital is a well-planned unit. Its smooth functioning is ensured by efficient staff who is assisted by good infrastructure and new-age technology alongwith standardised procedures and proper protocols.

lakshmipriya.nair@expressindia.com