KAMC - Riyadh Becomes the First In The World To Achieve DIAM Stage 6
42 hospitals have been assessed across the globe, with the average DIAM Score being 3.0, KAMC is well ahead of the curve
King Abdulaziz Medical City’s commitment to achieving advanced maturity in its imaging IT capabilities is now validated with an international recognition for the attainment of Stage 6 on the Digital Imaging Adoption Model (DIAM). Such announcement came after the visit and the evaluation of both the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics Europe and the European Society of Radiology (ESR) to King Abdulaziz Medical City - Riyadh to view the level of the technical services provided to the users and their effectiveness in improving the quality of medical care services.
The evaluators were briefed on various medical imaging systems including Electronic Medical Record (EMR), Radiology Information System (RIS), Picture Archiving AND Communication System (PACS), Endoscopy Information System (EIS), Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) and the level of their connectivity. During the tour, residents also reviewed the support systems such as the quality system, early warning, the patient electronic portal, the activation of mobile devices, social networking platforms aiming to provide patient treatment and educational services, as well as advanced data analysis systems.
In this regard, this model presented by HIMSS and ESR aims to assess the infrastructure of medical imaging systems in healthcare facilities and their data safety and documentation. It also aims to assess the extent to which these systems can accommodate various health practices, their scalability as well as the level of information security in the worst of conditions.
Additionally, Professor Peter Mildenberger, European Society of Radiology, pointed out that 42 hospitals have been assessed on the DIAM across the globe, with the average DIAM Score being 3.0, KAMC is well ahead of the curve and its next goal is to attain DIAM Stage 7 within the next six months – together with achieving EMRAM Stage 7.
Director Research and Advisory Services, HIMSS Europe, HIMSS Analytics, Mr. Jörg Studzinski also pointed out that: “ Alongside its Stage 6 achievement, KAMC Riyadh also possesses strong capabilities regarding health information exchange, patient engagement as well as analytics and workflow safety. I am confident they will reach their Stage 7 vision soon.
Furthermore, Information Systems and Informatics Division (ISID) Executive Director Engr. Abdulaziz Al Romaih pointed out that: " This achievement is an important step in the roadmap of the Ministry of National Guard – Health Affairs towards attracting modern technologies to become a milestone in the health industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and on a global level. We have rearranged our priorities to reach this goal, and our next goal is to attain DIAM Stage 7, God willing.
Last but not least, Head of Medical Imaging Department at King Abdulaziz Medical City - Riyadh Dr. Ali Al-Wabel said: "We are always looking forward to serving patients as it’s our primary goal in the medical imaging department, including attracting the latest technologies that will help improve the quality of service and ensure patient safety, such as the automation of several procedures, early warning systems, radiation control systems and many more. We also started a scholarship program for Medical Imaging and Health Informatics. He also added: "We are looking forward to working towards more achievements in the next phase".
