Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou, Taoyuan City, Taiwan, was recently approved to participate in Stage 7 of the recent HIMSS Infrastructure deployment model (INFRAM) and stage 6 Digital image use model (DIAMETER).
INFRAM model, updated in March, now assesses an organization’s infrastructure maturity based on cybersecurity, implementation, sustainability, performance and results. DIAM assesses an organization’s medical imaging capabilities.
IT management excellence
Within a yearCGMH, Linkou has managed to raise the INFRAM validation level to the highest level. Behind this lies a “major joint effort” by all departments of the hospital, working on modernizing technology, improving processes and training staff.
Its main IT project is the transformation of the Medical Data Center. CGMH, Linkou began implementing this key project in 2021 as demand for IT services increased, necessitating the adoption of artificial intelligence, substantial data and precision medicine. “We faced the challenges of rapid system expansion, so we rethought our data center management, data transmission and cybersecurity,” said Hui-Yuan Shih, head of CGMH, Linkou’s health information management division.
During the INFRAM validation, HIMSS validators praised CGMH, Linkou’s advanced cybersecurity capabilities rooted in a “robust, multi-layered security strategy.” CGMH, Linkou adopted a service-oriented architecture and malleable network design in line with the HIMSS INFRAM framework. This includes implementing a software-defined network, upgrading to a high-speed 10-gigabyte fiber network, and adopting TIA-942 standards for data centers. As part of improvements to internal communication, the hospital also implemented its own secure communication platform, Team+.
The highlight of the validation was the implementation of integrated information monitoring panels in the Security Operations Center (SOC), which enable real-time supervision and rapid threat detection. The SOC is part of the hospital’s integrated security measure – along with managed detection and response and two-factor authentication – in line with its Zero-Trust cybersecurity approach.
According to CGMH Linkou, the hospital can now install recent equipment 40% faster; It used to take about four hours from installing the device to coming online, but now it can be done in 2-3 hours via VM and SDN. When combined with AI analysis, SDN also increased monitoring efficiency by 30%.
Upgrading to a high-speed wireless network also increased data transfer speeds “by more than five times,” says Linkou-CGMH, compared to established lines. This has improved remote data synchronization and the transfer of vast volumes of data, including vast digital pathology files.
“This journey has not only been about upgrading technology, but also about improving our management practices and organizational culture. It has helped us build a solid foundation to provide high-quality care in a modern, technology-driven healthcare environment,” emphasized Kun-Ju Lin , professor and deputy head of the CGMH, Linkou Information Security Committee.
Improving digital imaging
CGMH in Linkou also became the first hospital in Taiwan to obtain DIAM certification. Passed HIMSS validation to evaluate and refine the exploit of digital imaging technology. The Information Management Department worked closely with specialized medical teams, organizing “numerous interdisciplinary meetings to integrate clinical knowledge with IT proficiency.”
“Our dedicated medical teams have played a key role in ensuring that the use of digital imaging technology effectively supports clinical decision-making and patient care. They worked with the Information Management Department to further optimize the system based on practical experience, ensuring that the digital imaging system remained stable and integration with clinical systems met the needs of our healthcare workers, enabling seamless connectivity through hospital IT systems,” said Dr. Li-Jen Wang, professor and head of CGMH, Department of Medical Imaging and Intervention at Linkou.
“This collaborative approach not only enhanced our digital imaging capabilities, but also demonstrated the high level of integration of medical technology with clinical practice during the HIMSS DIAM certification process,” she added.
Evaluators identified CGMH, Linkou’s clear vision, strategy, roles and responsibilities as key strengths in imaging management. The hospital was also recognized for its imaging quality management processes across its clinical services and maintaining both long-term and short-term image storage capacity.
The heart of Linkou’s CGMH is the AVIEW LCS Plus digital imaging system, supplied by Linkou Coreline Soft. Deployed in September 2023, AI-based software for low-dose chest computed tomography for diminutive lung nodules helps detect lung cancer, COPD and coronary artery calcification early. The AI software, which also integrates with hospital PACS and EMR systems, has helped reduce radiologist workload by up to 87%.
Emphasis on artificial intelligence and substantial data
Following the approval of both INFRAM and DIAM, CGMH Linkou said it plans to boost investment in two key areas: data analysis and medical imaging management. The hospital plans to build a substantial data analytics platform to expand AI applications and develop AI-powered diagnostic solutions to improve diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
As the hospital considers Stage 7 of DIAM, it also intends to implement a comprehensive radiation dose tracking system and upgrade its digital imaging applications to boost patient engagement.
Additionally, it is planned to further boost the speed and improve the stability of access and data transmission; boost long-term storage capacity and scalability of imaging data; optimize risk controls to boost digital resilience in the face of growing cybersecurity threats; and adopt FHIR standards to facilitate telemedicine interoperability.
“These investments will support clinical decision-making, predictive modeling and personalized care, helping us build a smarter, more connected data ecosystem. Ultimately, this will lead to more accurate and proactive healthcare services,” Prof Lin said.
A BIGGER TREND
CGMH in Linkou became the first hospital in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve Stage 7 of the updated INFRAM technology, which the hospital says highlights its commitment to developing digital infrastructure and setting recent standards in healthcare technology.
in September Asan Medical Center, the largest hospital in South Korea, became the first hospital in the region to be validated for this updated model in Stage 6. Samsung Medical Center (SMC), also in South Korea, and China Medical University Hospital (CMUH), in another Taiwan hospital, both are still approved for the previous INFRAM.
Meanwhile, CGMH, Linkou is one of three hospitals in the region – along with CMUH and Apollo Hospitals in India – Currently approved for DIAM Stage 6. SMC is currently the only hospital in the Asia-Pacific region approved for the highest stage of this model.
After ensuring the highest validations for both INFRAM and A model for the adoption of electronic medical records CGHM this year, Linkou is now focused on achieving validation for Stage 7 DIAM i Analytical maturity assessment model.
ON RECORDING
“Achieving stage 7 of the HIMSS INFRAM test shows that our organization has achieved a high level of digital maturity and infrastructure security. This distinction increases our operational efficiency and helps us provide safer and higher quality patient care. This means we have met global standards in healthcare IT infrastructure, including areas such as wireless networks, mobile devices, cybersecurity, team collaboration and data centers. With this solid digital foundation, we can effectively use artificial intelligence and big data analytics to improving clinical workflow, which will further enhance our digital transformation efforts, the achievement also helps us attract and retain the best healthcare professionals because they can work in a modern, efficient environment focused on innovation and quality improvement,” said CGMH, curator Linkou and Professor Dr. Chien-Tzung Chen in a statement to .
“We believe that the development of digital health is a key cornerstone for improving future healthcare services. Via HIMSS [DIAM] certification, we can assess and improve our hospital’s use of digital imaging technology, ensuring that our systems and processes comply with the highest international standards. Our goal goes beyond improving internal efficiency; it’s about providing patients with accurate and timely diagnoses and treatments. We are sure of it [this] international certification not only allows us to assess the level of digitalization in our institution, but also supports our continuous efforts to improve the quality of healthcare and build a solid foundation for future investments in digital healthcare,” said CGMH Professor Linkou, Dr. Ming-Shien Wen, who is also vice-chair of the hospital’s shrewd healthcare committee.