A large Imaging Provider
Advising an independent sector Imaging Provider with £150m+ turnover on the implementation of an in-house teleradiology service
The brief
Implementation of an Inhouse Teleradiology Service; this imaging provider identified a need to improve efficiency within their service and a key aspect of this was bringing the reporting service in-house. The challenge to accomplish this was multifaceted:
Provider is known as a highly competent & established Imaging Service, a market leader in this field, but not recognised as a reporting service.
Reporting contracts were being sub-contracted to a Teleradiology service which was providing capacity for the reporting of the images; however, bottlenecks were created on the end-to-end service.
Reporting Radiologists on practicing privileges were in place with the service but were all on separately negotiated contracts.
Provider had an established on-site reporting service, but no Teleradiology solution of its own.
A strategy was then identified to develop an in-house teleradiology service and SMR was appointed.
Our approach
SMR was engaged to advise and support on all the requirements needed to identify the change management process:
Infrastructure: agree on the infrastructure of the service and conduct a gap analysis of what was already in place and what was required
Procurement for the digital suppliers (hardware & software): SMR advised & participated in the tendering process of selecting Software, Hardware & Digital suppliers which included the AI partners, the Reporting platform, the Workstation Monitors & the Technical Quality Assurance providers. Supporting the mini procurement for the digital suppliers (hardware & software)
Running an AI competition: The company required assistance in identifying appropriate commercial partners for future AI Collaboration projects. A transparent due diligence process was devised followed by a rapid yet robust mini competition process identifying two AI vendors that met the company’s proposed future vision for Imaging Artificial Intelligence projects. The process of selecting the AI providers was complex and required SMR’s expertise in this space to understand the nuances of the sector and how the provider could maximise its efficiencies & also its value-added services to its customers. Dr Malik & SMR input and knowledge during this process proved invaluable. Without this input it would have been extremely challenging to measure & assess.
Scoping criteria for reporters, identifying candidates & supporting the Onboarding: The acquisition of reporters remains one of the Teleradiology sector’s greatest challenges. A scarce resource made more challenging by the requirement to identify specific skill sets in demand across other providers. SMR assisted with the correct criteria that is required as a minimum level of experience. Thereafter, through Dr Maliks’ reputation within the sector, support was given to the talent acquisition team with recruitment of radiologists and advise on the experience levels of radiologists, organising consultations with reporters where required.
Scoping clinical governance: Dr Malik’s experience in the areas of clinical safety, governance & quality assurance was invaluable. Working closely with the Clinical Quality & Governance Manager to advise in all related areas including: the Clinical Workflow, Standard Operating Procedures, audit & review process, and discrepancy management.
The impact
Dr Malik’s role in advising on the implementation of an in-house Teleradiology service was crucial to the success of the project. As a subject matter expert in all the above areas, particularly AI imaging, he was able to use all his knowledge, wisdom, and agility to successfully guide what was a highly complex project which involved many interventions to ensure its success.