Evolvability of Medical Imaging Networking to the Hospital Information System

In order to manage digital images and clinical data information Parma University General Hospital has recently accomplished a large investment for a total renewal of imaging diagnostic systems, network infrastructure and software information system based on "de facto" and "de jure" communications standards. The first stage has been the installation of radiology system to manage data and digital images, then the global medical imaging network has been extended with cardiology application. The asset has been merging and sharing a common management practice for both information systems, in such way it will be possible to ensure a full and functional integration among different applications from different vendors. The unification and standardization of some fundamental systems and functions like disaster recovery plan, back up policy, storage, will guarantee a significant saving, more business and service continuity as well as increased safety in treatment and storage of patient data. At this stage, the image management systems could be considered mature to full integration with patient centred ePR.