Search for: "medical training" - 250 articles found

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Article • A hard farewell from the lead apron

Radiation protection: Were we wrong all along?

For more than a year now, patients in Austria are no longer required to wear a lead apron during radiological imaging procedures such as X-ray and CT scans. However, the new recommendation, issued by the country's five specialist societies for radiation protection and imaging, has sparked mixed reactions among radiology technologists. At the annual congress of the specialist society…

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Article • Imaging modalities for quantifying myocardial blood flow

Nuclear cardiology – a nuclear perspective on matters of the heart

Nuclear cardiology is a specialised field in nuclear medicine that evaluates the heart function to help diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease and to assess treatment efficacy, whilst minimising invasive procedures like biopsies. More recently, clinicians have increasingly opted for nuclear imaging over endomyocardial biopsy to diagnose cardiac amyloidosis, allowing for earlier…

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Article • Point-of-care diagnostics

Improving women’s health in remote regions with digital pathology

Point-of-care diagnostics based on a combination of mobile-sized scanners and artificial intelligence (AI) are helping save the lives of women in low-resource settings. The AI technique is being applied in Kenya and Tanzania to deliver screening for cervical cancer – now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in that region and a bigger cause of death than childbirth.

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Sponsored • Endoscopy disinfection system • MKHYG-5037EN-EMEA

Extensive testing demonstrates the efficiency of the Pentax Medical PlasmaTyphoon™+

Patient safety is at the heart of every medical advancement, and technologies like endoscopes have been pivotal in transforming surgery by enabling minimally invasive procedures. This evolution has led to safer operations, reduced complications, and improved patient outcomes. However, these advancements depend on rigorous hygiene protocols for reusable medical equipment.

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Article • Experts explore the future of CSP, CRT, ICD

Implantable cardiac devices: which techniques are ready for prime time?

Opposing views on new implantable cardiac devices were aired in a Great Debate session at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual 2024 congress in London. Experts discussed emerging techniques and technologies and debated whether they are actually ready for clinical application. At the core of the session was the issue of whether conduction system pacing (CSP) should replace cardiac…

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Article • Artificial intelligence meets internal medicine

Medical AI: Enter ‘dea ex machina’

In the world of theatre, the ‘deus ex machina’, the god from the machine, is a dramaturgical trick to resolve seemingly unsolvable conflicts. Can artificial intelligence (AI) also be such a universal problem solver for internal medicine? At the Annual Congress of the German Society of Internal Medicine (DGIM), Dr Isabella Wiest explored the potential – and limitations – of AI helpers.

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News • Assistive mobility system to reduce strain on care staff

An easier way to transport hospital beds

To reduce the burden of hospital staff and optimise working conditions, Linak and Tente are presenting an innovative solution for patient transport at the hospital bedside at Medica in Düsseldorf.

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Article • PACS administrators as quality control monitors of algorithms

The “watchdogs” of AI radiology tools

Radiology AI products are a whole new world. So is running them safely and efficiently in production. At the 2024 Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) Annual Meeting, an expert outlined how new skills and resources are needed to use these AI tools – and how PACS administrators could evolve their position to fit this important role.

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Sponsored • GI Genius enters NAIAD large-scale clinical trial

AI making earlier detection of colorectal cancer possible

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment of colorectal cancer, but the initial stages are easily missed during endoscopy screenings. With GI Genius, Medtronic presents an AI-powered tool to help detect precancerous lesions in real-time. In an upcoming large-scale trial, the intelligent endoscopy module will demonstrate its benefit in the clinical context.

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News • Improved image quality, reduced radiation dose

Benefits of deep learning reconstruction in paediatric imaging

Recent developments in deep learning techniques are enhancing clinical imaging quality and reducing radiation exposure for patients while also maintaining diagnostic accuracy. The latest AI (artificial intelligence) component to clinical imaging – referred to as deep learning reconstruction (DLR) – is having a particular benefit in paediatric imaging, according to Dr Samuel Brady from…

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Article • Liver, renal, pancreas, paediatric and multi-organ transplants

Important role for ultrasound in transplantation imaging

Ultrasound plays a pivotal role in the assessment of organ transplant patients. It enables physicians to safely and easily assess progress, identify complications and resolve problems, as well as deliver long-term monitoring. The value of ultrasound in the transplant space was highlighted in a session at ECR 2024, covering liver, renal, pancreas, paediatric and multi-organ transplants with…

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Sponsored • Diagnostic solutions for Jossigny

Entering the French market with advanced PET/CT imaging

United Imaging, a company specializing in advanced imaging solutions, is proud to announce the first installment of their cutting-edge technology in France. The increasing number of healthcare facilities deciding to leverage the company's diagnostic solutions stands as a testament to their effort toward engineering imaging solutions that hold the potential to transform patients’ lives worldwide.

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Article • AI is key

Lung cancer screening initiatives across Europe

Artificial Intelligence will be a critical component in ensuring a Europe-wide lung cancer screening programme can achieve its potential, according to speakers at a special ECR 2024 session. Delegates heard that the SOLACE project (Strengthening the screening of Lung Cancer in Europe) will be supported by AI in terms of workflow, diagnostics, and image and data analysis.

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Article • Medical Taiwan Health & Care Expo

Record attendance for medical solutions from Taiwan

As demand for innovative healthcare solutions is at an all-time high, Medical Taiwan once again attracted a record number of visitors for its 2024 edition. The show’s organizer, the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), proudly reported an increase in attendance by 10% compared with the previous year. During the three-day event in Taipei, the audience was treated to a wide range…

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Article • Institutional setup guide at SNMMI 2024

How to establish a hospital theranostics treatment centre

The nuclear medicine global market is projected to see a significant increase in the coming years, with the lion's share being attributed to radiotherapeutics. So, how to set up a dedicated theranostics centre? At the annual meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) in Toronto, Ontario, an entire session was dedicated to planning logistics, radiation safety, and…

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Article • Compared to laparoscopy

Robotic surgery improves colorectal surgery outcomes

When colorectal surgery was first performed with robotic assistance in 2014, the procedure was questioned about safety, efficacy, and outcomes. Today it is an established option. Well-trained surgeons use robotic surgical systems confidently. Numerous clinical studies have verified its intraoperative benefits for patients and surgeons alike, as well as very positive outcomes for patients.

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Article • Challenges and opportunities

Molecular pathology in Europe: in search of standardization

Tackling standardization of molecular pathology at a European level remains a major challenge, according to speakers at the 35th European Congress of Pathology in Dublin. One leading expert warned it would be ‘very difficult’ to achieve, though the session also heard about potential solutions such as educational steps to consistently train future pathologists at a high and consistent level.

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Sponsored • Brachytherapy in LAPC patients

Innovative Avenue of Treatment – Internal Radiotherapy for Locally Advanced Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

In more than one in six patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the tumour is initially diagnosed at a non-metastatic primarily unresectable, locally advanced stage (LAPC). For these patients, a new internal radiation procedure, OncoSil™ brachytherapy, may become a treatment option – in Germany, around 858 patients could benefit from this innovation annually.

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Article • Transformative technology

Generative AI in healthcare: More than a chatbot

‘Computer, why did the doctor take that MRI scan of my leg? And what did it show?’: Popularized by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is already beginning to see practical applications in medical settings. The technology holds immense potential, with benefits for patients, clinicians, and even hospital administration, according to Shez Partovi, MD.

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Article • Affordable and widely accessible

Robotics applied in support of patient wellbeing

Keeping technology simple and affordable is key in helping patients to fully benefit from robotic systems, according to a leading expert in the field. While expensive and complex systems have been developed, Professor Heike Vallery believes the full potential of robotics in patient care will only be realised when they become more affordable and widely accessible. She also underlines the…

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Article • Experts explore impact of technology

AI in radiology: helper or bane of society and the environment?

The climate crisis and AI – arguably two of the most hotly-debated and relevant topics of our time – share an intricate relationship: While computation of complex AI routines commands an immense carbon footprint, it is these algorithms that might be the very key to mitigate the effects of global warming. In a dedicated session at ECR 2023, radiologists explored the societal and environmental…

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Clinical Chemistry

Antipsychotic Drug Monitoring

Assays: Clozapine, Risperidone, Aripiprazole, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Paliperidone Highlights:Antipsychotic drug monitoring provides healthcare professionals accurate and vital information.Testing of antipsychotic drugs can help manage patient therapy by providing greater clarity on the causes of treatment failure (i.e., adherence, drug resistance, drug-drug interactions and drug…

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Article • Tackling gender inequality

Radiology – still a “man’s world”?

Gender equity is a key factor in achieving excellence in academic medicine. So far, however, this is only partly reflected in reality: In Europe, women represent 54% of physicians and 40% of radiologists. However, female representation in radiology decreases at increasing levels of leadership. A panel of experts assessed the challenges women have to face in radiology and explored strategies to…

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Article • Infection control

The strain typing technologies of tomorrow

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a non-profit hospital and medical research institution in Los Angeles, is setting new standards for quality and innovation in patient care by successfully introducing typing of Candida auris species – a procedure that could prove crucial in protecting patients from infection outbreaks caused by these microbes in healthcare settings.

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Article • Portable imaging

Going mobile: advances in point-of-care ultrasound

Ultrasound technology now plays a vital role in clinical diagnosis and management. Significant advances in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) have made it a versatile tool for assessment, diagnosis, and follow-up across various fields. New developments continue to expand its applications, improving patient care and outcomes.

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Article • Potential of large language models for nursing and health science education

ChatGPT: the next big thing in cardiology?

Hardly a day passes without new headlines about ChatGPT, the AI-powered large language model, and its potential applications in healthcare. First results have been somewhat sobering after the initial hype, with the AI’s “hallucinations” often replacing scientific truth. Still, Professor Philip Moons is convinced that the chatbot might bring actual benefits to nursing and health science…

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Article • Evolving technology

Exosuits for human augmentation and assistance

Exosuits are adding a new dimension to rehabilitation and human augmentation options for people with limited movements after sustaining injury. High-tech sensors, actuators, controllers and soft textiles are advancing the possibilities of exosuits, with 3D printed components further enhancing the power and accuracy of the devices. The latest innovations were outlined by exosuit expert Professor…

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News • Expert roundtable at ECR 2023

How AI will shape the future of radiology

The future of medical imaging will be shaped by AI, according to an expert panel hosted by Bayer at ECR in Vienna. Participants explored key trends in radiology and how AI innovation can help patients and their treating physicians.

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Interview • Interview with President Adrian Brady

ECR 2023: Going back to normal – with a few twists

ECR 2023 returns to its traditional date in March, but delegates can expect novelties with sessions touching not just cutting-edge science, but also archaeology and palaeontology, and putting trainees in the spotlight, Congress President Professor Adrian Brady told Healthcare in Europe in an exclusive interview.

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Article • Inks and polymers

3D printed pharmaceuticals for personalized therapies

60 percent of all administered drugs do not have the desired therapeutic effect. Even worse: in Germany alone about 60,000 deaths per year are caused by medication. With these shocking statistics Professor Dr Christian Franken started his presentation on “Pills from the 3D printer” at last year’s Medica in Düsseldorf. He hopes that his vision of personalized medication based on 2D and 3D…

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Sponsored • Outlook for 2023

Hygiene in endoscopy: What’s next?

For many endoscopy wards, 2022 has been a year of transition and transformation. The field saw the advent of innovative reprocessing techniques, but also increasing strain due to personnel shortage and the demand for greater sustainability. We spoke with Paul Caesar, Reprocessing and Infection Control Leader EMEA at Pentax Medical, about the company’s upcoming solutions for the year ahead.

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Article • Webcams in neonatology offer clinical value

Baby on-screen 24/7

True or false: Webcams have only recently been introduced in neonatology and are a patient-side component of the Digital Health Portfolio. False! Already in 1989, Professor Dr Roland Wauer at Charité Berlin built his DIY system to transmit images from the neonatology ward.

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Article • Appeal to healthcare providers and medical device vendors

ECRI reports top 10 health technology hazards for 2023

ECRI’s annual top ten technology hazard list alerts hospitals and healthcare providers of situations, products, and procedures they need to diligently monitor and/or take steps to improve. This non-profit technology Pennsylvania research firm has worked for over 50 years to make healthcare safer. The list reflects the organization’s collective judgment about the health technology risks that…

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Article • High-intensity focused ultrasound

HIFU ablation treatment for benign thyroid nodules

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is a noninvasively treatment for benign thyroid nodules that are causing distress to patients. Brian H. H. Lang, MD, Clinical Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Hong Kong, and chief of the Division of Endocrine Surgery at Queen Mary Hospital, is a preeminent investigator, proponent, and pioneer of this technique. He…

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Article • Centralised image library and archive

From regional to national: digital pathology network transformation

Transforming a regional digital pathology network into a national programme across the UK has the potential to save the NHS around £100m a year. Such a network – one that sees a centralised digital pathology image library and archive, as opposed to individual hospitals having their own infrastructure and teams to manage it – can also offer a range of other benefits alongside significant cost…

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Sponsored • Digital solutions for radiology

How to accelerate healthcare innovation in AI

Tapping the thriving Radiology AI ecosystem, Bayer recently announced three collaboration agreements for its digital platform, Calantic Digital Solutions, as well as an AI accelerator program.

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Sponsored • Portable X-ray and ultrasound systems

Taking medical imaging to remote and rural locations with Fujifilm Healthcare

Medical imaging is critical across many fields of healthcare – but accessing it in remote or rural locations can be a struggle, resulting in missed appointments or delayed diagnoses. Fujifilm Healthcare Europe is a leading provider of medical imaging solutions across all modalities, and offers a range of portable imaging systems that allow imaging solutions to be taken closer to the patient.

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Article • “Taiwan Excellence” at Medica 2022

Sustainable solutions for post-pandemic healthcare

Innovative gastrointestinal imaging, medical panel PCs with hygiene optimisation, smartphone-based diagnostic tools, and sustainable hardware setups: At Medica 2022, manufacturers from Taiwan again showed their capability to adapt and provide solutions for a world radically changed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the “Taiwan Excellence” banner, outstanding products from the island nation’s…

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Sponsored • Periprosthetic protection

Bone cements containing antibiotics for infection prophylaxis – quo vadis?

Periprosthetic infections and revisions are on the rise in Germany and worldwide, with significant consequences for affected patients as well as for the healthcare systems. Precisely because the number of patients at higher risk of infection in arthroplasty continues to rise, attention is increasingly focused on how this dreaded complication can be avoided.

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Article • Implementing the electronic patient record in the hospital

EPR: Step by step into the digital future

In Europe, Germany has been bringing up the rear in implementing the electronic patient record (EPR) for years. While the EMRAM score of German hospitals continues to be negligible – on the international as well as on the European level – there are signs of progress that give reason for hope.

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News • Stereoscopic viewing and virtual work

Passive 3D stereo monitors in medical applications

Volumetric 3D images and 3D models are becoming increasingly important in medical technology. Schneider Digital's high-resolution 3D PluraView stereo monitors are a perfect fit for 3D stereo display of medical data, especially from CT and MRI scanners.

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Article • Session on sex differences

Championing gender-sensitive medicine

A session at the Medica Health IT Forum will focus on the important topic of gender-sensitive medicine and raise critical points within the field. While a key challenge remains in raising awareness and acceptance that there are medical differences between men and women, session chair Dr Martina Kloepfer points out that gender-sensitive medical care is the ‘lowest common denominator of…

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Article • Diagnostic assistant systems

AI in endoscopy: helper, trainer – influencer?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing its foothold in endoscopy. Although the algorithms often detect pathologies faster than humans, their use also generates new problems. PD Dr Alexander Hann from the University Hospital Würzburg points out that the use of AI helpers can affect not only the reporting of findings – but also the person making the findings.

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Article • AI provides prognostic information

Next-generation deep learning models predict cancer survival

Deaths from cancer are currently estimated at 10 million each year worldwide. Conventional cancer staging systems aim to categorize patients into different groups with distinct outcomes. ‘However, even within a specific stage, there is often substantial variation in patient outcomes,’ Markus Plass, academic researcher from the Medical University of Graz, Austria, explained to Healthcare in…

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Malignant tumour management

’Our machine learning model achieved 88.9% accuracy in predicting the sarcoma-specific survival rate’

Clinical management of soft tissue sarcoma is particularly challenging. Dr Sebastian Foersch, researcher at the Institute of Pathology at the University Medical Center in Mainz, Germany, has used a deep learning model for diagnosis and prognosis prediction of soft tissue sarcoma using conventional histopathology slides.

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Article • Overheard at AACC

The complexities of drug testing in urine and hair

Urine screening tests using only immunoassays are the most common procedures used to identify drug abuse. They are inexpensive, automated, and produce rapid results. But they may generate false-positive or false-negative results, which vary based on the drug, drug class, and the assay used. Hair toxicology analysis is another form of drug testing which, unlike urine tests, enable analysis of drug…

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Article • Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

HFpEF poses increasing burden on health services

With the life expectancy of populations improving, experts believe the rising diagnosis and prevalence of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) will have a significant impact on healthcare services going forward.

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Article • Possibilities and risks

AI in cardiology: so much is feasible – but is everything useful?

It might sound like science fiction but it is reality in cardiology: with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) physicians can recognize from a patient’s headshot whether the person is suffering from coronary artery disease and is therefore at risk of myocardial infarction. But is that knowledge really useful? Professor Dr David Duncker calls for a differentiated and careful assessment of…

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Sponsored • User report

Robotic assistance brings benefits for paediatric patients

Robot-assisted surgery has seen marked advances in the past years and thus become a viable tool for more interventions. For example, the challenging field of paediatric surgery can benefit greatly from the new possibilities, reports Prof Wim van Gemert. Using the Senhance Surgical System from Asensus, the expert details on the advantages of the solution.

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Sponsored • Clinical evidence workflow solution

Fast-tracking research results into clinical practice

The path from evidence-based research to clinical implementation is straightforward in theory but taxing in practice: Research groups must be coordinated, relevant published material identified, classified, and prepared, to shape findings into a comprehensive SOP for clinical use. To facilitate this complex process, Wolters Kluwer developed a new suite of applications, called Ovid Synthesis.

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Article • Infection prevention

Making endoscopy safe and sustainable

Hygienic, single-use components are widely used in endoscopy to ensure patient safety but are considered wasteful. Reprocessing is a more sustainable alternative but requires special equipment and training to avoid equipment contamination. This creates an area of conflict for physicians, hospital staff, but also for manufacturers. We spoke with two experts at Pentax Medical about challenges in…

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Sponsored • Senhance robotic system by Asensus

Surgical robots are the future of medicine

Esslingen is one of the most innovative regions worldwide. Thus, it does not come as a surprise that Esslingen‘s 660-bed hospital is interested in adopting cutting-edge technology. A surgical robot, to be precise.

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Article • Benefits of multimodality imaging

Stroke: The importance of workflow

When a patient suffers a stroke, speed in treatment can mean the difference between successful recovery, permanent disability, or death. For Christopher Hess, success in stroke diagnosis is a question of workflow and efficient care delivery.

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