Currently 2/3 of the world lack access to X-ray services, a basic yet essential component of diagnosis and screening. Many of these areas are in developing countries and resource limited communities which have unique needs that require X-ray systems of a rugged nature with special capabilities. Because of these conditions and a growing awareness of this problem, the WHO created specifications known as the World Health Imaging System for Radiology (WHIS-RAD).
Given the environments WHITIA is working in, we have adopted WHIS-RAD compliant X-ray modalities as a key aspect to our solution. We partner DR WHIS-RAD with the following capabilities:
- technology that enables telemedicine allowing the site to connect with medical specialists for consultations;
- network/live video component which enables capabilities such as connectivity to high speed transmission networks for teleradiology and telemedicine, image/data storage and usage tracking; and
- computer workstations, viewing stations and all required ancillary components
Working with WHIS-RAD compliant systems offers our clinical sites certain benefits that cater to their unique needs. There are plenty of hurdles to deploying systems but WHIS-RAD overcomes the following:
Often times less costly systems do not produce the highest quality images which can affect the accuracy of diagnosis.
WHIS-RAD produces high quality diagnostic images at an affordable price.
Systems can be very complicated to use and therefore training is more difficult and expensive.
This system can be operated by staff with minimal training. The ease of use contributes to the quality of images taken.
Clinics are not designed in a way to handle certain levels of radiation scatter without extensive renovations.
WHIS-RAD compliant systems must have minimal scattering of radiation, eliminating the need for major renovations
Power sources are oftentimes unreliable.
The system can run on backup generators if power is unreliable.