The Present and Future of Medical Imaging IT and JIRA Initiatives
For the first time last summer, Hisatoyo Kato presented a lecture in Beijing
in his role as Chairman of the Japan Industries Association of Radiological
Systems at the 1st Beijing Medical Imaging Development Forum (August 19-21)
and concurrent The 19th China International Exhibition and Technical
Exchange of Hospital Equipment (China-HOSPEQ 2010).
1. Regarding IT
The size of the worldwide IT product and service market has seen continued double-digit growth in the past. There have also been dramatic advances in IT technology and these rapid advances are expected to continue. This IT paradigm shift, to wit IT revolution, is producing great changes in the structure of medical services.
When we consider healthcare IT, it is important to recognize that it is completely different from pharmaceutical and medical device. Hardware in healthcare IT is a commodity and works with software creating its value. Software is based on mathematics, while pharmaceutical is based on chemistry, and medical devices physics. Pharmaceutical industry is a process industry, medical device an assembling industry, and healthcare IT an intellectual-labor-intensive industry. Regulations on healthcare industry started from pharmaceutical, and are not adequate to healthcare IT software in many cases.
We must keep this in mind as we accurately understand its usefulness and its risk, in order to design its regulations and measures to foster it.
2. The forefront of medical imaging IT in Japan
Previously, most diagnostic images were recorded on photographic film, displayed, and interpreted/diagnosed. Advances in technology mean that now images are digitally recorded, stored in digital databases, and delivered through networks to their appropriate place. This is our new (or soon to be) paradigm. This new IT function (paradigm) is bringing about qualitative changes in the following three areas. Many JIRA member companies are at the forefront of these technological developments.
(1)Intelligent support functionalities
These functionalities support and complement the knowledge and experience of medical service providers so that they can efficiently offer highly precise medical care.
Example: By using 3D workstations and CAD（Computer Aided Detection) large amounts of image data can be efficiently interpreted. This is lightening the burden on radiologists and providing help in places where radiologists are in short supply. With increases in software processing speed, advanced image analysis and treatment support is possible. Also, applications of this technology are expanding to various other diagnosis and treatment departments in hospitals.
(2)Network functionalities
These functionalities allow for the exchange and sharing of medical records within a facility and within a particular area or region.
Example: Including remote diagnosis and healthcare integration, networks are now being established between hospital and hospital, hospital and clinic, and clinic and patient.
(3)Database functionalities
These functionalities will ensure medical records are stored for extended periods without security leaks, and in a state that allows for accurate searches enabling users to retrieve necessary information.
Example: By adding database functionality to intelligent support functionality, it is expected that we will be able to both detect pathologies and bring up similar cases. Various “Clinical Decision Support” (CDS) systems will become possible. Also, a government project between academics and doctors in the new field of “Computational Anatomy” is underway. It is hoped that by creating computational models which include information regarding people’s individual organ differences, medical treatment optimized for the individual will be possible. It is hoped that in this way, IT will provide support for personalized medicine.
3. JIRA Initiatives
It is not an exaggeration to say that Japan has one of the world’s leading health care systems. Even so, the dwindling birthrate and rapidly aging population means Japan’s healthcare industry and system must be further strengthened and advanced.
Against this backdrop, the Japanese government announced on June 18, 2010 its so-called “New Growth Strategy.” Among other things, this framework specifically calls for “life innovation to make Japan a healthcare superpower” and “green innovation to make Japan an environmental and energy superpower.” It is marvelous that in one of these two grand strategies, “healthcare” is included. We have great expectations. With regard to “life innovation to make Japan a healthcare superpower,” JIRA is especially hopeful of the following:
- facilitating the growth of health-related service industries
- promotion of research and development in new medical technologies
To respond to these government moves, JIRA announced the following new reform goals as part of its 2010 Core Activity Plan.
- making policy recommendations to the government and strengthening collaboration
- promoting the growth of the medical imaging systems IT industry
In order to make good on these activities, we reorganized the JIRA organization and enhanced its ability to function by newly establishing
- the “Industry Strategy Planning Office” to make high-level policy recommendations, and
- the “Enterprise Promotion Committee” to promote the growth of the medical imaging IT industry
With the aim of advancing the health and quality of life of people around the world, JIRA will push on with the development of innovative, IT-rich medical devices and systems. |
