GE HealthCare and Connecticut-based Hartford HealthCare (HHC) have renewed a seven-year collaboration that began in 2016 to extend through 2030. The collaboration aims to support HHC’s mission to provide quality care by increasing access to innovation while reducing the total cost of care for patients.
Hartford HealthCare is updating its imaging technology, including equipment like CT, PET/CT, MRI, X-ray, nuclear medicine, mammography, ultrasound, and OEC 3D surgical imaging C-arm. This collaboration with GE HealthCare aims to improve patient access to advanced imaging technology and includes additional patient monitoring and diagnostic equipment.
“Our ongoing collaboration with GE HealthCare will allow Hartford HealthCare to provide exceptional imaging services, continually upgrading our technology so patients and clinicians across our system can be confident in having access to the most up-to-date capabilities,” says Karen Goyette, executive vice president and chief strategy and transformation officer. “This is especially important now, as technologies, equipment and training are advancing at an ever-increasing pace.”
GE HealthCare’s initial engagement with HHC led to the creation of the system’s Care Logistics Center in 2017. “The center allows us to match patients’ needs with the best care we can provide, quickly and expertly,” Goyette adds. “We are looking forward to continued advances that benefit our patients and clinicians through this new collaboration.”
New imaging systems will integrate AI and machine learning software to augment clinical expertise. For instance, Critical Care Suite 2.0 assists ICU clinicians by providing real-time AI-powered analysis of medical images, detecting critical conditions like collapsed lungs. Its seamless integration with existing systems aims to expedite diagnosis and treatment decisions, improving patient outcomes.
Many of the new imaging systems in the collaborative effort will include tested AI and machine learning software, which will augment clinical expertise. For example, Critical Care Suite 2.0 is a software solution designed to assist clinicians in the intensive care unit by providing AI-powered insights and analytics to analyze medical images and detect potential critical conditions in real-time, such as collapsed lungs or errors in chest X-ray acquisitions. By integrating seamlessly with existing systems, the Critical Care Suite 2.0 is designed to help expedite diagnosis, optimize treatment decisions, and improve patient outcomes.
Deep Learning Image Reconstruction utilizes dedicated Deep Neural Networks to generate TrueFidelity CT Images, enhancing reading confidence across various clinical applications. AIR Recon DL employs AI to optimize MRI scan reconstruction, reducing artifacts, enhancing clarity, and enabling shorter scan times. These advancements improve diagnostic image quality while enhancing patient comfort and workflow efficiency for healthcare providers.
“This strategic Care Alliance builds upon a successful first seven years and incorporates new elements that will help Hartford HealthCare stay current with our latest GE HealthCare technology as it continues to evolve, minimizing technology obsolescence and optimizing clinical capabilities now and in the future,” says Catherine Estrampes, president and CEO, U.S. and Canada at GE HealthCare. “We have seen many changes to the needs of healthcare over the last several years and collaborations like this enable us to work together with patient access and care, as well as clinician experience front of mind. It enables us to keep innovating together while continuing to explore additional potential opportunities.”
Under the renewed service agreement, GE HealthCare techs will be available in-house to repair and maintain all equipment within the collaboration’s scope. Regular upgrades will ensure Hartford HealthCare’s imaging technology remains up to date. Collaboration between facilities, operations, clinical engineering, and GE HealthCare’s teams will prioritize patient safety and equipment performance. Build-in-place upgrades will refresh older systems with minimal construction costs and disruption to patient care.
