Information technology in global health radiology

Abstract

Medical imaging is nearly nonexistent in many under-resourced regions of the world. To bring imaging to these areas, electronic transmission of images and reports will be necessary. Most areas have limited networking capability via cellular telephone networks, but these networks are generally slow and variable in cost, reliability, and coverage. Basic principles for use of existing infrastructure are as follows: limit bandwidth use, plan for frequent network outages, avoid costly software and hardware, and conserve power. An eight-step process for building an imaging network using these principles is described. These steps include use of inexpensive low power imaging systems, advanced lossy data compression to reduce network bandwidth requirements, creation of low-cost workstations for interpretation, provision of an electronic reporting system, establishment of a quality monitoring system, provision for system maintenance, and a plan for system and data security. The exact solutions will depend on whether local, regional, or international interpretation of the images created is to be used. Continual improvements in network infrastructure and declining electronic component cost will make development of low-cost imaging network solutions easier in the future.