IDET 5310 Design Artifact & Abstract

I have spent the better of this past week trying to come up with a design artifact that both fits within the scope of this class (and class time) as well as within my professional needs. As an MRI Instructor, there are many areas of interest to address with students, including MR Safety and Imaging Procedures. To say it was hard to figure out what to do is an understatement! However, I know that if need be, I can change the artifact to better focus on the desired outcome, so the pressure is not as heavy (although still there).

Thinking back to a process I encountered while working full-time in MRI and Radiology departments, I repeatedly remember the constant stream of paperwork involving patient screening forms, whether for MRI, X-ray, or any other modality examination. Female patients must always verify their pregnancy and/or breastfeeding status, especially when exposed to ionizing radiation during X-rays. MRI patients must be thoroughly screened for metal artifacts or implants which could interfere with the exam, or worse, threaten the patient's well being if in the vicinity of the magnet. As patients typically encounter many medical professionals prior to receiving a particular exam, such as referring physicians, nurses, clerical staff, radiologic technologists, and even management personnel, paperwork can get shuffled around and even lost or misplaced. When dealing with screening forms for radiology examinations, this can be dangerous and detrimental to a patient's well-being.

My intention is to design a simple digital process used across multiple Radiology departments, within the same organization initially but eventually spanning all healthcare facilities in a specific region. This process would incorporate apps and shared internet or intranet networks, as well some type of cloud storage space, to collect and regularly update patient screening information for the purposes of Radiology examinations. All types of screening forms for every modality will be included, with updates and additions as needed for each patient.

The issue that I immediately think of when designing this artifact is HIPPA and the possibility of violating patient privacy by sharing information across possibly unsecured networks. There would need to be a security system in place that allows access using some form of password/passkey unlocking method, among other needs.

This is a very ambitious project, and one that I myself may not be able to fully implement alone. This would be an undertaking of a group of professionals of various backgrounds addressing the many complexities and constraints that are sure to present themselves in the design process. However, I do feel the need is there for something like this, so it is definitely a good start!