From the March 2011 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
2. Our research indicates that even though the electronic study transfer process is operating at full capacity in the best medical institutions, the initial source of information often arrives via CD-ROM.
3. The capability of retrieving images from virtually any and every CD ROM must be included in any image management system (cloud-based or not).
4. Security of patient information once the images are separated from their institutional home becomes a chief component of any cloud-based system.(Security of patient information is a big concern for me personally. So much so, that even though our product uses modern cloud technology, I have recommended to our engineers not to allow any patient data to be stored on the cloud before we find a compelling reason to do so.)
5. A system that does not incorporate the full spectrum of CD-ROMs and related appliances can only become parallel to an existing system.
6. If a cloud system is to add value, it must become an integrated solution that addresses both electronic study transfer and a current, traditional (manual) means transferring images.
Don’t confuse my conservative approach to this subject as a negative attitude toward Cloud technology. My background in standards development shows my support of new technologies. Believe me, if you are a professional in medical imaging, there is no doubt a cloud is in your future. I’m looking at our three years of experience regarding Cloud technology and proceeding with a bit of caution. Microsoft founder Bill Gates in his keynote address at mHealthSummit on November 8, 2010 in Washington D.C. said it best:

“It’s very easy to fool yourself into thinking something works. What works in one facility might not work in another hospital or health system,” said Gates. “It’s possible that something works in a microcosm, but then when you scale it up, it doesn’t work.”

My advice is don’t jump on the first cloud that comes along. Don’t disable your CD burner or CD viewer. They may require new software or modification for cloud compatibility. Be extra careful about security, and be sure any cloud-based system is proven in practice.

Do due diligence to make sure:
-Cloud technology is something that will benefit your institution right now.
-The cloud products you purchase or lease are the right ones for your unique situation.

Emmanuel Cordonnier is chairman and CEO of ETIAM Corporation, a company he co-founded in 1996. Cordonnier is recognized for his involvement in the international effort to standardize medical imaging communications since 1999. He has chaired or participated in several DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) working groups. At that time, he proposed a new strategy for the evolution of DICOM toward Internet technologies that were gradually applied, the last one being the definition of Web Services-compliant DICOM transactions.

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