What is a Zero Footprint Viewer?

Physicians today are tasked with reviewing an ever-growing number of medical images, many of which are from multiple imaging modalities and from a variety of locations. To help caregivers keep up, software vendors have developed zero-footprint viewers. But what is a zero-footprint viewer? And how can it help doctors work more efficiently? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.

What is a Zero-Footprint Medical Image Viewer?

A zero-footprint viewer is a cloud-based medical image viewer that allows instant access to vital patient medical images and patient information across multiple platforms, from virtually anywhere via a web browser. The practitioner does not have to install additional software or plugins on their systems to use it. The software is agnostic of the device, browser, or operating system. It’s designed to allow medical providers to simply open a web browser, log in, and review patient medical imaging data and information.

In contrast to PACS viewers, zero-footprint viewers do not require maintenance on the local device or machine to function properly. Images can be accessed on a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop device.

For example, a patient in the ER receives a heart CT scan and requires a second opinion. A cardiologist can securely log in, examine diagnostic quality images and make decisions from a mobile device, even if they are not physically located in the ER. Furthermore, after decisions are rendered, supporting staff will have access to the medical imaging data and information.

Key Features for Zero-Footprint Medical Image Viewers

One of the leading zero-footprint viewers is called Enterprise Viewer. The enterprise software is superb for providing users with universal access to stored images wherever they are stored. It’s fast and powerful, enabling real-time cross-enterprise collaboration. Furthermore, it allows users to access images from any location securely. When they log off or close the browser, there are zero traces of sensitive patient data left on the device.

Let’s  examine the top features any zero-footprint viewer should have:

Universal Access to Medical Images

Providing physicians immediate access to medical images is vital to patient care decision-making. Therefore, it is paramount to choose a scalable enterprise solution that seamlessly unites picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), vendor-neutral archives (VNAs), image-enabled electronic medical record (EMR), and electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Built for Speed and Functionality

Because images are rendered on the server side, rather than the client side, caregivers can view  diagnostic-grade, lossless medical images even on a slow internet connection without plugins or additional modules to install.

Zero-footprint viewers should also provide a variety of tools for caregivers. Many clinicians desire more functionality than simple viewing. Therefore, the enterprise viewer should support features such as multi-monitor support, hanging protocols, and intelligent, context-aware tools.

Access From Any Location

Zero-footprint viewers enable physicians to view diagnostic-grade medical images anywhere they have an internet connection. They are compatible with any mobile or desktop web browser. Convenient access allows for easier collaboration and patient diagnostic plans.

Zero-Trace for High Security

In any medical setting, a high level of security is essential. Zero-footprint viewers offer a ‘zero-trace’ solution, meaning the viewer software does not store patient information on users’ devices. Once the user closes the web browser or logs off, sensitive patient information can no longer be accessed.

Real-Time Cross-Enterprise Collaboration

Zero-footprint viewers allow real-time remote consultations. Therefore, simultaneous viewing and collaboration by cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, neurology, surgery, and other specialty departments, as well as by referring clinicians, can easily be achieved.

The Bottom Line

A zero-footprint viewer should offer users convenient access, enable diagnostic-quality medical images, and adhere to strict security protocols. Enterprise Viewer checks those boxes and more. It allows for faster diagnostic decision-making for overall better patient care. If your facility seeks an enterprise-grade, zero-footprint viewer, try Intelerad enterprise imaging solutions. Contact our sales team for a demo of Enterprise Viewer today.