syngo^® Workflow: READEXAM XML Drop Tips
By Nick Briseno

Here is a tip on how to avoid potential problems using XML file drops while using READEXAM in a RIS drive syngo^® Suite integration. This tip is the most appropriate for systems that are interfaced with Fusion from DVI dictation system.

The most recent versions of syngo^® Workflow have the capability to “drop” an XML formatted file with specific data-elements to fit the client needs. The most common fields that are generally posted to this file are: accession_itn, medical record number, patient last-first name, DOB, procedure description, procedure number, and department. It may also include fields requested by the client. Once the XML file has been created and dropped to a specified directory (as setup in Read Exam WORKSTATION PREFERENCES), the receiving system (pick–up system) then reads the file and transmits the information to the dictation screen. This provides the radiologist with necessary information to read the next available PACS study. Some common issues that keep this process from working correctly are procedure descriptions and missing data elements, such as the hosp field not valued from the activity table.

In a recent post-live support effort, both of these issues were manifested. After go-live, a vast majority of Chest AP & LAT would drop XML files to the specified directory, however, the receiving system would not process the file. Unfortunately this was happening on a regular basis and was a major problem. The issue turned out to be something unexpected: the “&” sign. After changing several hundred items in the client item master 75% of the issues related to XML were no longer experienced. Resolution of this issue involved changing the item master to exclude the use of “&” in the procedure description.

Twenty-five percent of our issues still remained. Since these issues were happening on a more inconsistent basis, they were not as easily identified. It took extensive research and data comparisons of the good and bad records to find the answer: the patient data that did not drop the XML file correctly and did not trigger for an expected action were all missing the hosp value from the activity table. Over 300K records had to be updated after the conversion to resolve this issue. These items were re-tested with a successful outcome after the update was completed.

Thorough data validation is always key during upgrades and conversions. Give yourself ample time to complete this task. Be sure to check syngo^® Workflow tables from the back end via the SSQL from the command prompt or the ODBC through MS Access™.

For more tips on syngo^® Workflow or other RIS/PACS solutions please contact our corporate office at 610-444-1233 or visit our website at www.getvitalized.com and let us know how we can help your organization.