A comprehensive version of TOMTEC is not only used at canton hospital Frauenfeld but throughout its parent, hospital group Spital Thurgau. Be it AutoSTRAIN, 4D RV-FUNCTION or automatic ejection fraction measurement, the system offers several options that drive the management of state-of-the-art cardiac diagnostics. For Michael Neuhaus at Frauenfeld, however, the heart of the TOMTEC is REPORTING:
"Every year, we perform about 3,000 ultrasound examinations, 200 of which are TEEs. Prior to the introduction of TOMTEC, each and every report was dictated and transcribed by a hospital employee. With one report taking about ten minutes, this amounted to roughly 500 hours per year – an expensive, time-consuming and highly error-prone chore. At my previous hospital I had seen first-hand how TOMTEC REPORTING dramatically improved the process. Thus, I convinced the Frauenfeld management to invest in the system. Today, I get my report within 2 minutes.”
This improvement with regard to time and quality is made possible by the seamless and automatic transfer of data and measurement values from the data-generating devices to the TOMTEC software. While at canton hospital Frauenfeld ultrasound machines of all types, manufacturers and ‘age brackets’ are being used system interoperability ensures that all devices can communicate with TOMTEC.
Even transmitting the films obtained in the cardiac cath lab from the PACS works without a hitch. As soon as the data are received by the reporting module they are automatically embedded in structured reports. Since the link to the HIS is no problem all reports are added automatically to the electronic patient record.
Users are impressed by the simple and intuitive handling which provides fast access to all relevant data. Template configuration, measurements and standard values – they can all be customized to create individual workstations and enhance ease-of-use. In order to ensure consistent and comparable quality
of reports and exams, the system automatically assesses the quality of the measurements data it receives based on qualified standard data. This provides additional confidence for the radiologist and reduces errors.
“I have been using TOMTEC for reporting purposes for many years and was even involved in the original development of the templates. Since then cardiology has changed dramatically but TOMTEC has succeeded in maintaining stability, ease-of-use and performance while continuing to develop the system. This is still one of the most innovative solutions in this field,” raves Michael Neuhaus. In spring 2018, TOMTEC will present new reporting functions – an event the Swiss cardiologist is already looking forward to.