By Dr Evelyn Ho

Panelists for the morning session From L to R: Prof Dr Ng Kwan Hoong, Assoc Prof Dr BJJ Abdullah, Dr Napapong Pongnapang, Mr Geert Carrein, Mr Patrick Downing, Dr David Dowsett and Mr Azmi Hashim

From L to R: Andrew Van Dort (Sales Director Asia Pacific) and Patrick Downing (Chief Executive Officer) of Global Care Solutions; Abdul Razak Osman (Executive Chairman) of GC RRITS Sdn Bhd

Panelists for the afternoon session From L to R: Dr Zaharah Musa, Assoc Prof Dr Michel Bister, Prof Dr Ong Hang See and Mr Paul Chen

Mrs Tan Piak Harn and Dr Rozi Mahmud share a light moment together

The Department of Radiology, University of Malaya organised a symposium on Advances in Digital Imaging in the Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur on 8 April 2004.

A rather diverse group of delegates from IT specialists, radiologists, radiographers, medical physicists, biomedical engineers, hospital administrators, managers, clinicians attended this symposium.

The use of digital imaging is increasing and expanding the field of radiology. Experts in their respective fields expounded eloquently information from reengineering the radiology practice, developments in computer imaging, CRT and LCD displays, PACS (picture archiving and communications system) trends/techniques for storage, guidelines for better image quality, information system interconnectivity and quality assurance programmes in the digital medical enterprise.

The speakers highlighted that a change in mindset coupled with continued education in this rapidly developing field would be necessary to harness the power of digital imaging and making it relevant for today’s and our future needs.

Decision making has to be based on sound knowledge of the developments and capabilities of existing and emerging technologies. In addition, the legal issues of production and processing of digital images, storage and security of data were discussed.

Concepts of safety of software and quality assurance programmes were introduced. Unlike established standards for ensuring quality imaging in conventional radiology equipment and view boxes, digital imaging now poses a unique challenge in the development of tools and methods to ensure high and consistent images.

Finally, experiences and lessons learnt from Malaysia first “filmless” hospital (Hospital Selayang) were presented.