Meta-manager: A requirements analysis

The digital imaging network-picture archiving and communications system (DI N-PACS) will be implemented in ten sites within the Great Plains Regional M edical Command (GPRMC). This network of PACS and teleradiology technology o ver a shared T1 network has opened the door for round the clock radiology c overage of all sites. However, the concept of a virtual radiology environme nt poses new issues for military medicine. A new workflow management system must be developed. This workflow management system will allow us to effici ently resolve these issues including quality of care, availability, severe capitation, and quality of the workforce. The design process of this manage ment system must employ existing technology, operate over various telecommu nication networks and protocols, be independent of platform operating syste ms, be flexible and scaleable, and involve the end user at the outset in th e design process for which it is developed. Using the unified modeling lang uage (UML), the specifications for this new business management system were created in concert between the University of Arizona and the GPRMC, These specifications detail a management system operating through a common object request brokered architecture (CORBA) environment. In this presentation, w e characterize the Meta-Manager management system including aspects of inte lligence, interfacility routing, fail-safe operations, and expected improve ments in patient care and efficiency. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders C ompany.