Philips spotlights new and enhanced vendor-neutral radiology workflow solutions and scalable smart connected imaging systems at RSNA 2021

November 28, 2021

  • Robust portfolio of modality and PACS vendor-neutral radiology workflow solutions supports radiologists, technologists and administrators with integrated, automated AI-driven informatics to streamline workflows
  • Smart connected systems improve access to data and support advanced analytics and reporting for all aspects of the radiology service, from patient management and acquisition to interpretation and referral management
  • New enterprise scalable solutions across CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray, informatics and image-guided therapy increase diagnostic confidence and efficiency in precision diagnosis and treatment

Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Chicago, USA – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, will showcase how the company’s portfolio of vendor-neutral radiology workflow solutions and enterprise-scalable smart connected imaging systems is helping to increase diagnostic confidence and efficiency during the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) annual meeting (November 28 – December 2, Chicago, USA). The company’s new and enhanced solutions feature an integrated approach across the imaging enterprise focused on critical areas to help meet the challenges facing radiology today.

Radiologists are often required to manage complex, disconnected workflows which negatively impact patient care and outcomes, staff experience, and cost. It is estimated that 20-50% of all radiological exams are of low value [1], while COVID-19 continues to compound the challenges facing radiologists, with 45% of radiology technologists and imaging directors reporting moderate or severe levels of job stress [2]. By taking a systems view of imaging and  radiology, Philips is helping to meet these challenges with a portfolio of end-to-end radiology solutions, allowing clinicians to confidently offer early and definitive precision diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment while managing complex operational challenges.

New smart connected imaging systems reinforce Philips’ leadership in sustainability
In 2018, Philips became the first health technology company to have its CO2 emission targets assessed and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In the most recent Future Health Index 2021 report commissioned by Philips, 58% of healthcare leaders expect sustainability to be a top priority in three years’ time. At RSNA 2021, Philips will demonstrate its continued leadership in introducing innovative technologies designed to make the world healthier and more sustainable.

Philips Radiology Workflow solutions and smart connected systems unveiled at RSNA  
Philips will reveal its new MR 5300, which recently received 510(k) clearance from the FDA. The new system simplifies and automates complex clinical and operational tasks with helium-free for life MR operations, driving consistent quality and sustainability for outpatient imaging centers and MR departments. MR 5300 brings advanced capabilities in a workhorse system scalable to the enterprise. Additional new AI-enhanced systems and solutions being introduced across MR include the new MR 7700 system [3], designed to deliver Philips’ highest quality diffusion imaging and advanced neuroscience sequences; Philips SmartSpeed [4], powered by the industry leading Compressed SENSE speed engine and award-winning AI technology [5], delivering fast, high-quality imaging for every patient; and MR Workspace with AI assistance, the intuitive new radiology workflow solution designed to empower technologists to enhance productivity and predictability.

Philips will also spotlight its enterprise-scalable systems in CT and ultrasound with the next generation of its CT 5100 – Incisive system, featuring the launch of CT Smart Workflow [6] and the latest release of Philips ultrasound systems EPIQ Elite and Affiniti, to allow comprehensive management and tracking of early-stage liver disease. In addition, Philips will showcase its recently released award-winning Spectral CT 7500, the latest intelligent system from Philips to deliver high quality spectral images for every patient on every scan, 100% of the time, to help improve disease characterization and reduce rescans and follow-ups – all at the same dose levels as conventional scans.

Expanding its leadership portfolio in image-guided therapy, Philips will preview the world’s first spectral detector angio-CT solution combining the company’s unique Spectral CT 7500 system and its Image-Guided Therapy System – Azurion with FlexArm in a single interventional suite solution. It aims to give interventionalists immediate table-side access to these two key imaging modalities so they can perform procedures requiring both CT and angio guidance in one room.

“It’s very exciting to be back at RSNA, both in person and through our robust virtual experience, presenting our newest advanced technology focused on patient-centric, sustainable and precise radiology solutions,” said Kees Wesdorp, Chief Business Leader of Precision Diagnosis at Philips. “Last year at RSNA 2020, we launched our Radiology Workflow solutions that connect and streamline radiology operations across the enterprise. This year, we are pleased to showcase the momentum our customers are experiencing with those solutions, and to build on that success with our newest patient-centric, AI-enabled radiology systems and solutions designed to enhance clinical confidence and staff efficiency and strengthen our leadership position in radiology.”

Year-over-year growth and momentum for Philips Radiology Workflow solutions
Philips’ vendor-neutral Radiology Workflow solutions help reduce variability and staff workload, increase productivity and enhance the patient experience. Over the past year, Philips has seen rapid adoption and successful performance for Radiology Operations Command Center, a critical component of its Radiology Workflow solutions. The vendor-neutral, multi-modality telepresence solution seamlessly connects imaging experts at a command center with technologists at scan locations across their organization, to centrally monitor every MR and CT scanner within a network from a single location. These capabilities are further extended to Philips ultrasound with Collaboration Live.  Earlier this year, Philips announced a partnership with Alliance Medical to roll out a pilot implementation of Philips’ command center across multiple locations in the UK. With an estimated shortage of 6,000 radiologists, radiographers, and advanced practitioners throughout the UK, Philips is supporting radiology departments to deal with the patient backlog and growing demand – and a radiology workforce under severe pressure – to help improve the quality and delivery of services in both the short and long term.

Illuminating the path to precision care at RSNA
Philips will demonstrate its ongoing leadership in patient management and engagement with solutions that are fully integrated into its suite of smart connected imaging systems. Featured solutions include Philips Patient Navigation Manager and the new Philips Pediatric Coaching solution, using gamification and ‘buddy system’ techniques to prepare children and their parents ahead of and during their MRI procedure to significantly enhance the patient experience.

Philips’ intuitive, AI-driven smart workflow solutions are designed to empower radiology technologists at the point of image acquisition for more confident, efficient, patient-centered care. In addition to the new AI-enhanced innovations across MR, CT, and image-guided therapy, ​AI-enabled smart workflows debuting at RSNA also include Philips Radiology Smart Assistant, designed to help radiographers improve chest X-ray acquisition accuracy with constant quality analysis and feedback.

Supporting radiologists with integrated, AI-driven enterprise scalable platforms for smart reading and reporting, Philips Clinical Workflow Management solution brings together worklist management (Workflow Orchestrator), advanced visualization (IntelliSpace Portal), clinical collaboration tools, and Interactive Multimedia Reporting into one streamlined workspace. To enable administrators with tools and data insights for continuous performance improvement, Philips Enterprise Performance Analytics – PerformanceBridge operational informatics platform is delivering results for health systems, reducing scan times while increasing volume and streamlining operations.

More information on Philips’ newest portfolio of Radiology Workflow solutions and smart connected imaging systems featured at RSNA is available in this Philips RSNA 2021 press backgrounder.

Philips’ participation in RSNA symposiums and webinars  
Philips will be hosting two symposia with Philips executives and thought leaders during RSNA. A virtual symposium on ‘Aligning enterprise workflows: Redesigning radiology around the patient’ will take place on November 29 at 7:00am CST. An in-person corporate symposium on ‘Enabling the digital future for the patient, the radiologist and the healthcare system’ will take place on November 30 at 9:30am CST. For more information on these sessions (including how attendees can participate in the live Q&A portion with presenters), educational on-demand webinars, and details related to the company’s presence at the event, visit www.philips.com/rsna.

[1] Kjelle E, Andersen ER, Soril LJJ, van Bodegom-Vos L, Hofmann BM. Interventions to reduce low-value imaging – a systematic review of interventions and outcomes. BMC Health Serv Res. 2021 Sep 18;21(1):983. doi: 10.1186/s12913-021-07004-z. PMID: 34537051; PMCID: PMC8449221.
[2] Research report: Radiology staff in focus: An impact and satisfaction survey of radiology technologists and imaging directors, Philips, 2019.
[3] Pending 510(k). Not available for sale in the USA.
[4] Pending 510(k). Not available for sale in the USA.
[5] Adaptive-CS-Net: FastMRI with Adaptive Intelligence. 33rd Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS). Vancouver, Canada. Dec. 2019.
[6] Pending 510(k). Not available for sale in the USA.

For further information, please contact:

Kathy O’Reilly
Philips Global Press Office
Tel: + 1 978-221-8919
E-mail: kathy.oreilly@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3 billion and employs approximately 78,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Attachments

103,528 users have subscribed to Malaysian family youth, family device packages – KKMM

TUMPAT, Nov 28 — The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) has recorded a total of 103,528 users who have subscribed to the Malaysian Family youth and family device packages to date.

KKMM secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohammad Mentek said it exceeded the initial target of at least 100,000 users for the two packages providing mobile internet facilities.

He added that the ministry expected the number of subscribers to reach up to 130,000 by December.

“The Malaysian Family Device Package has recorded a total of 31,176 users, while the Malaysian Family Youth Package with a package costing RM30 for three months (of data usage), has been subscribed by 72,352 users.

“We would like to especially congratulate the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and all telcos who have cooperated well and ensured that we could achieve this target,” he said.

He was speaking to Bernama and RTM after visiting the Kampung Terbak Digital Economy Centre (PEDi) here today, accompanied by MCMC chief regulatory officer Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin and Kampung Terbak PEDi manager Suhaida Suriman.

Meanwhile, in another development, Mohammad said a total of 493 denials and explanations on fake news had been released by the MCMC’s Quick Response Team (QRT).

“We have seen that since the team was formed, the percentage of fake news has decreased greatly, and public awareness is increasing. We would also like to advise the public to be careful and to check before sharing any information.

“If there is any news where the authenticity is questionable, the public may check or channel the information to the QRT at 03-8911 5103, or visit WWW.SEBENARNYA.MY,” he said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Govt seeks solution for farmers, breeders facing higher pesticide, fertiliser prices

BELURAN, Nov 28 — The government, especially the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry (MAFI) is working to find the best solution to help farmers and livestock breeders who are affected by the rising costs of fertilisers and pesticides, said minister Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.

As an early response, he said, the government allocated RM232 million (towards this end), including raising the farmers’ pesticide aid subsidy from RM200 to RM300 a hectare per season.

“This, of course, doesn’t solve the issue of rising prices for pesticides and fertilisers. So, the government is trying to take steps to alleviate the burden of our agricultural entrepreneurs.

“What we are facing now is a challenging situation as prices have gone up for components of fertilisers and pesticides as well as components of animal feed. This is a global issue caused by disruptions to production of these materials at the international level,” he told reporters after launching the Ceria Ke Sekolah (CKS) programme by the Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB), here, today.

Ronald acknowledged that the rising costs of these materials are in turn affecting the prices of vegetables in the market.

On Nov 25, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the provision of the initial response and also directed MAFI, the Finance Ministry as well as the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry to formulate mitigation steps to address this issue.

Concerning the SESB programme, Ronald praised corporate companies for stepping forward to provide assistance to the rural community, especially those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Although the government has, through various programmes, channelled aid to the people during this pandemic period, private companies and government-linked companies can also join the government’s efforts as there are still many in need, especially in the rural areas,” he said.

Meanwhile, SESB senior general manager (Asset Management) Ir Idris Mohd Noor said the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme shows SESB’s concern for people in need, especially in the face of a pandemic.

Through the CSR programme, he said, a total of 200 students in Beluran were selected to receive aid in the form of school bags, books and stationery, dictionaries as well as pocket money of RM50 each.

“We have also helped the education sector by taking on several foster schools. In Sabah this year, there are four or five foster schools that have been given one-off assistance of RM34,000 to provide a more conducive learning environment,” he added.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

PM to make official visit to S’pore tomorrow in conjunction with VTL launch

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 28 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob will undertake his first official visit to Singapore tomorrow (Nov 29) at the invitation of his Singapore counterpart Lee Hsien Loong.

Wisma Putra said the visit was also in conjunction with the commencement of the air and land Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) between Malaysia and Singapore.

It said Ismail Sabri was scheduled to call on Singapore President Halimah Yacob and hold a meeting with Lee.

“The leaders will discuss Malaysia-Singapore bilateral cooperation, including new opportunities for effective recovery from the impacts of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic. Both prime ministers will also be exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern,” it said in a statement here today.

Wisma Putra said the visit would be conducted in full compliance with the strict health and safety protocols put in place by the governments of Singapore and Malaysia.

It said Ismail Sabri would be accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad and officials from the relevant ministries and agencies.

Meanwhile, in SINGAPORE, Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Datuk Dr Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, said the VTL was a mechanism agreed by both countries to enable people to return to their respective countries without undergoing quarantine.

“It will benefit Malaysians working in Singapore who have not been able to return to Malaysia due to quarantine constraints and costs that have to be borne,” he said in a press conference held here, in conjunction with the Prime Minister’s visit today.

Ismail Sabri is expected to arrive at the Woodlands checkpoint and be greeted by Lee, before the two officiate the VTL-Land.

The official visit will begin with an official welcoming ceremony at the Istana where the Prime Minister will inspect the guard of honour and subsequently sign the guest book.

A ceremony to name an orchid after the Prime Minister will be held, after which he will pay a courtesy call to Singapore President Halimah Yacob.

Following that, Ismail Sabri will have a meeting with Lee for about 30 minutes.

“The two prime ministers will exchange views on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest,” said Dr Azfar.

A joint press conference will be held by the two leaders afterwards.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Foreigners with travel history to seven countries not allowed to enter Sarawak

KUCHING, Nov 28 — Foreigners with a history of travel within 14 days to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are not allowed to enter Sarawak temporarily.

In a statement, Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) said the decision was made following the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19 called B.1.1.529 involving the seven countries.

According to the statement, Malaysians and permanent resident pass holders who return to Malaysia from those countries are allowed to enter Sarawak by making an application through the EnterSarawak system.

“They must also undergo a 14-day compulsory quarantine at the designated quarantine station at the first point of entry to Malaysia, regardless of vaccination status and home quarantine is not allowed.

“They are also not allowed to transit to other destinations until they have completed undergoing the quarantine period and have a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result on the 12th day before being released from quarantine,” said the statement.

SDMC also informed that travellers from abroad must report their travel history to the staff at the airport and failure to do so may be subject to legal action.

“All directives are effective immediately,” said SDMC.

Sarawak today recorded 158 new COVID-19 cases.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Former Perak Police chief Osman Salleh dies

SEREMBAN, Nov 28 — Former Perak Police chief Datuk Osman Salleh, 65, died at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital (HTJ) here at 12.51pm today.

His passing was disclosed by his son Dr Mohd Hafiz Osman through his Facebook page today.

It is understood that Osman, who is also a former police chief of Negeri Sembilan, died due to a blood infection following a COVID-19 infection after being admitted to HTJ for six days.

“Innalillahi wainna ilaihirojiun (Verily we belong to Allah and verily to Him do we return), I am sad to inform that my father, Osman bin Salleh has already breathed his last at 12.51 this afternoon at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital Seremban. Please pray for Allah to give forgiveness and mercy to him,” he said.

According to Mohd Hafiz, the late Osman, who is also the chairman of the Retired Senior Police Officers Association (Respa) Negeri Sembilan, was buried at the Ainsdale Town Mulsim Cemetery in Labu here at about 5 pm today.

Osman, who hailed from Seremban, had served for seven years in Negeri Sembilan before being appointed as the 27th Perak Police chief on Dec 16, 2014 and retired on Feb 13, 2016.

He held a Masters in Social Sciences from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and joined the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) more than 40 years ago.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency