Student Abstract Paper "Large Scale Analysis of Medical Image Metadata" Accepted to be Presented at the Pan African Conference on Science, Computing and Telecommunications (PACT 2023)

Our submission to the Pan African Conference on Science, Computing and Telecommunications (PACT 2023) titled "Large Scale Analysis of Medical Image Metadata," has been accepted, and will be presented during the upcoming Pan African Conference on Science, Computing and Telecommunications (PACT 2023) conference. This paper delves into the systematic analysis of Medical Image Metadata encoded using the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard. It offers an exploration of various aspects crucial to advancing healthcare in the Republic of Zambia.

One of the pivotal areas of focus in our research is the organization of diverse medical image data. We meticulously examine how these images are stored, accessed and managed within public health facilities. Additionally, we delve into the complexities surrounding ethical considerations, particularly concerning data authorization and anonymization. These aspects are of paramount importance in ensuring the privacy and security of patients health information.

Furthermore, our research involves intricate procedures for processing and extracting metadata from DICOM files. These procedures are essential for enhancing the efficiency of radiological workflows and contributing to improved clinical decision-making processes.

Importantly, this research is an integral part of a larger project designed to address a critical issue in the Republic of Zambia—the shortage of trained radiologists. With only a limited number of radiologists available to serve a significant population, innovative solutions are urgently needed. Our study explores the potential of streamlined medical imaging workflows, leveraging enterprise imaging techniques, to bridge this gap and ensure more accessible healthcare services.

In summary, our paper not only provides comprehensive insights into the methodologies supporting large-scale medical image metadata analysis but also underscores the broader objective of refining medical imaging practices and ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery in Zambia. We look forward to presenting our findings at the Zambia Digital Health Conference 2022 and sharing our research with the broader healthcare community.