Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Achieves Top HIMSS Validation: A New Benchmark in Healthcare Technology
In a Milestone for Digital Infrastructure
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (CGMH), Linkou, located in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, has achieved significant recognition by being validated for Stage 7 of the HIMSS Infrastructure Adoption Model (INFRAM) and Stage 6 of the Digital Imaging Adoption Model (DIAM). This accomplishment not only highlights the hospital’s commitment to enhancing its digital capabilities but also sets a new precedent in healthcare technology within the Asia-Pacific region.
New Standards for Healthcare Systems
The INFRAM model, updated earlier this year, evaluates an organization’s infrastructure maturity in several critical areas including cybersecurity, adoption, sustainability, performance, and outcomes. On the other hand, the DIAM focuses specifically on an organization’s capacity to utilize advanced medical imaging technologies. This dual validation signals CGMH, Linkou’s readiness to meet modern healthcare demands driven by technology.
Collaboration as a Key to Success
CGMH, Linkou’s elevation to the highest stage of the INFRAM validation within just a year can be attributed to a "major collaborative effort" across various departments in the hospital. This teamwork prioritized technology upgrades, process improvements, and comprehensive staff training, demonstrating that success in healthcare transformation relies on rigorous internal cooperation.
Transforming the Medical Data Center
As part of its digital evolution, CGMH, Linkou embarked on a significant project to transform its Medical Data Center in 2021. The need for advanced IT-enabled services grew as AI and big data technologies became increasingly essential in healthcare. Hui-Yuan Shih, head of the hospital’s medical information management department, noted that they re-evaluated their data management practices, data transmission methods, and cybersecurity protocols to address the challenges posed by rapid system expansions.
Robust Cybersecurity Measures
During the INFRAM validation, HIMSS validators praised CGMH, Linkou for its advanced cybersecurity framework, characterized by a "robust, multi-layered security strategy." By adopting a service-oriented architecture and flexible network configurations aligned with HIMSS standards, the hospital is not only enhancing its technological infrastructure but also ensuring the security of its data and services.
Innovative Security Operations Center
A notable feature of the hospital’s validation is the establishment of integrated information monitoring panels at the Security Operations Center (SOC). This facility enables real-time surveillance and immediate threat detection, supported by Managed Detection and Response strategies and a Zero-Trust cybersecurity approach. This proactive security measure serves as a cornerstone of CGMH’s comprehensive security architecture.
Efficiency Boost through SDN
By implementing Software-Defined Networking (SDN), CGMH, Linkou has significantly improved operational efficiency. The time required to set up new equipment has been cut by 40%, reducing the on-boarding process from four hours to just 2-3 hours. This efficiency is further enhanced with AI analytics, which has increased monitoring capabilities by an impressive 30%.
Accelerated Data Transfer
The hospital’s investment in high-speed wireless technology has revolutionized data transfer, reportedly increasing speeds by more than five-fold compared to traditional methods. Such advancements enable smoother remote data synchronization, crucial for handling large digital pathology files and vast volumes of patient data.
Holistic Approach to Care Management
Beyond technological upgrades, Kun-Ju Lin, a professor and deputy chief of CGMH, Linkou’s information security committee, emphasized that this transformation is centered on improving management practices and cultivating an organizational culture focused on quality care. The hospital aims to build a robust foundation for providing top-tier medical services in a technology-driven environment.
Pioneering Digital Imaging Capabilities
Notably, CGMH, Linkou is the first hospital in Taiwan to receive validation for the DIAM. The hospital’s Information Management Department collaborated closely with specialized medical teams to ensure that the integration of digital imaging technology effectively supports clinical decision-making and patient care.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Dr. Li-Jen Wang, head of the Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention at CGMH, stated that numerous cross-disciplinary meetings facilitated effective collaborations between clinical and IT teams. This teamwork has resulted in optimized systems that fulfill the needs of healthcare professionals while ensuring stable integration with clinical processes.
High Standards of Imaging Governance
Assessors recognized CGMH, Linkou’s clear vision and strategy in managing its imaging services as a significant strength. The hospital received accolades for its quality management practices in imaging across clinical services, along with its capabilities for both short-term and long-term image storage.
Artificial Intelligence at the Core
At the heart of CGMH, Linkou’s digital imaging strategy is the AVIEW LCS Plus system developed by Coreline Soft. This AI-based software, implemented in September 2023, enhances low-dose CT chest imaging, identifying small lung nodules to facilitate the early detection of conditions such as lung cancer and COPD. Remarkably, it has reduced the radiologist’s workload by up to 87%.
Investment in Data Analytics
Following their dual validations, CGMH, Linkou announced plans to invest heavily in two essential areas: data analytics and medical imaging management. A new big data analytics platform is in the works to expand applications of AI and improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
Plans for Future Enhancements
Looking to achieve Stage 7 of the DIAM, CGMH, Linkou aims to implement a comprehensive radiation dose tracking system and upgrade its digital imaging applications to enhance patient engagement. The strategy includes increasing the speed, stability, and scalability of data access while reinforcing risk management measures amid rising cybersecurity threats.
Building a Data Ecosystem
CGMH’s ongoing investments in digital technology aim to promote better clinical decision-making, enhance predictive modeling, and provide personalized care. These developments are geared toward creating a smarter, more interconnected data ecosystem, ultimately leading to improved healthcare services.
Setting a Regional Benchmark
CGMH, Linkou’s recognition as the first hospital in Asia-Pacific to reach Stage 7 of the updated INFRAM model reinforces its commitment to advancing digital health infrastructure. This landmark achievement positions the hospital as a leader in healthcare technology in the region.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Healthcare
With its recent accolades, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou is paving the way for a new era in healthcare technology—one that integrates advanced digital solutions with clinical excellence. As the hospital aims for even higher standards through future validations, it exemplifies a model of innovation and commitment to patient safety and care, setting a commendable precedent for hospitals across Asia and beyond.
