Olympus Launches the Olympus Knowledge Exchange (KE) System

First electronic reprocessing documentation software to leverage HL7 communication protocols, offering hospitals seamless connectivity to Olympus devices and Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., (May 19, 2016) - Olympus, a global technology leader in designing and delivering innovative solutions for medical and surgical procedures, among other core businesses, announced today the launch of its Olympus Knowledge Exchange (KE) system, a next generation software platform offering facilities centralized endoscope reprocessing record and image management through expanded connectivity of Olympus devices.

The KE modular platform is built around standard communication protocols HL7 and DICOM, which provides interoperability with most modern electronic medical record (EMR), Radiology information system (RIS) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). When the KE communication and endoscope reprocessing management modules are used together, patient and procedure data flows seamlessly between the procedure and the reprocessing rooms.

“The connectivity of our Olympus KE System is a significant advantage, making the system even more valuable to facilities with popular EMR systems,” said Kurt Heine, Group Vice President of the Endoscopy Division at Olympus America Inc. “It allows hospitals to leverage the expense and effort they’ve put forth to implement an enterprise EMR solution.”

In the procedure room the KE system can save time and reduce data entry errors by expanding the connectability of the Olympus CV-190 video processor. Furthermore, the KE system provides users with the ability to transfer procedure images to a PACS or EMR system at the highest resolutions available today.

Outside the procedure rooms, the KE system offers connectivity to the Olympus OER-Pro endoscope reprocessor. By adding the OER-Pro, documentation of the endoscope reprocessing outcomes can be tracked electronically helping users identify quality issues that can adversely affect patient safety.

“The KE data architecture makes merging patient, procedural and reprocessing records possible,” said Heine. “By merging this data together users can now demonstrate compliance with endoscope reprocessing standards, and reduce a facility’s anxiety during accreditation auditing.”

Olympus’ full suite of endoscopy equipment helps physicians and nurses deliver value to patients and help healthcare facilities meet the following key healthcare reform initiatives:

  • Increased Quality of Care: Demonstrated compliance with regulatory and accreditation agency standards allows facilities to indentify quality issues that can adversely affect patient safety.
  • Decreased Costs: A centralized data repository can eliminate the need to attach computers to individual Automated Endoscope Reprocessors (AER). This reduces AER and IT capital costs and the need to purchase software licensing for each attached computer.
  • Enhanced Patient Satisfaction: The system will enhance workflow by using data entry automation and software interoperability. Efficient workflow is essential for keeping a facility running on time and reducing patient wait times.

The Olympus KE System was developed to assist hospitals in establishing and monitoring quality assurance programs in compliance with the guidelines of several medical societies including the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, Inc. (SGNA); Advancing Safety in Healthcare Technology (AAMI), the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE), and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).

The Olympus KE System will be showcased at the SGNA annual meeting to be held on May 22-24 in Seattle, Wash. Healthcare providers are invited to visit the Olympus Booth #404 for a hands-on product demonstration.

Introducing the Olympus Knowledge Exchange (KE) system, a next generation software platform offering facilities centralized reprocessing record and image management through expanded connectivity of Olympus devices.

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About Olympus Medical Systems Group
Olympus Medical Systems Group, a division of global technology leader Olympus, develops solutions for healthcare professionals that help improve clinical outcomes, reduce overall costs and enhance quality of life for their patients. By enabling less invasive procedures, innovative diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and early stage lung cancer evaluation and treatments, Olympus is transforming the future of healthcare.

For more information visit Olympus at medical.olympusamerica.com.