Successful Policies and Procedures Workshop for the Enterprise Medical Imaging in Zambia Project

The Enterprise Medical Imaging in Zambia (EMIZ) project team conducted a validation workshop as part of Work Package 1 (Policies and Procedures) at the Confucius Institute, University of Zambia, Lusaka. This pivotal event, held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, brought together a diverse group of medical practitioners, experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on critical themes and challenges in medical imaging practices.

Engaging Discussions and Productive Breakaway Sessions

The workshop commenced with an engaging session led by Dr. Veronica Sunkutu Sichizya, setting a welcoming tone for the day. Attendees were then treated to an insightful overview of the EMIZ project background by key members, highlighting the project's milestones, including research grants and the scope of work across various work packages.

Throughout the day, attendees actively participated in breakaway sessions focused on specific themes, facilitated by experts in the respective fields. From planning and protocol development to data security and interoperability, each session delved into pertinent questions and challenges faced in the medical imaging landscape.

High Response and Engagement from Medical Practitioners

One of the most notable aspects of the workshop was the enthusiastic response and engagement from the medical practitioners present. Discussions were vibrant, with participants sharing valuable insights, experiences, and suggestions to enhance medical imaging practices in Zambia.

Highlights of Key Discussions and Outcomes

  • Theme 1: Planning (Requests Placing and Order Filling): Discussions revolved around mandatory demographic details on patients' request forms and the need for standard protocols for different studies.

  

  • Theme 2: Collecting and Organizing (Acquisition, Examination, and Generation/Production of Medical Images): Participants deliberated on measures to ensure patient safety during imaging procedures and the importance of maintaining imaging protocol integrity.

  

  • Theme 3: Storing and Backing UpThe discussion touched upon data security measures, storage infrastructure considerations, and backup procedures to safeguard medical images and reports.

Demonstrations and Closing Remarks

In his closing remarks, Rabson Mbewe expressed gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and contributions, underscoring the workshop's success in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the success of the workshop, it is evident that the EMIZ project is poised to make significant strides in revolutionizing medical imaging practices in Zambia. With continued engagement and collaboration, we are confident in our ability to address challenges and harness opportunities for the benefit of healthcare delivery in the region.

The EMIZ team remains committed to driving innovation and excellence in medical imaging, and we look forward to embarking on the next phase of this transformative journey.