Investment: Technology

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Technology is an incredible tool. But, as with all tools, people with special skills are necessary so these marvels can meet, and exceed, their potential.

When it comes to investments in medical technology - and the clinical expertise and compassion to make them matter - Backus Hospital delivers. Backus has been at the forefront of offering the very latest technology for eastern Connecticut. This means our patients have more options, access to leading edge care, and the potential for better outcomes. At Backus, technology is a true partner in care.

Outcomes:

Minimally invasive surgery

Human and machine come together in robotic surgery

Backus is a leader in minimally invasive surgery. We continued this trend in 2008 as we became the first hospital in eastern Connecticut to add robotic surgical technology - taking laparoscopic surgery to a new level.

The da Vinci surgical system is a major innovation in robotics technology. Initially, we are offering robot-assisted surgery as an option for some cancer patients. The device has additional applications for gynecological, colo-rectal and general surgical procedures.

Robot-assisted surgery is less invasive than traditional "open" surgeries, and offers a more convenient option for many patients. It's the operating room of the future - at Backus today.

Life-saving technology

Digital mammography

We know that mammograms are considered to be the most effective way to detect early breast cancer. That's why we installed the latest digital mammography technology on our main campus and at imaging centers in Norwichtown, Colchester and Groton.

With digital mammography, radiologists are able to quickly review and manipulate higher-quality electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors.

Because the images are stored electronically, digital mammography can be easily transmitted - from the Colchester Backus Health Center to radiologists at the main hospital campus, for example - and accessed by clinicians for future reference, without the need to manually retrieve films.

Convenience and imaging

Radiology and women's health services

Year after year, Backus Hospital has added new diagnostic imaging resources, from 64-slice CT scan, to PET/CT scan technology, new MRIs and bone density scans.

We are also very proud of our growing Backus Outpatient Care Center, a muchneeded medical facility offering easy access and convenient services right off Interstate 395 in Norwich.

The two came together in 2008, as we began to renovate another section of the Norwich center - for radiology services. This project, scheduled to be complete in April 2009, will make some of our amazing diagnostic imaging technology even more accessible to patients, including digital mammography; ultrasound; vascular; X-ray; bone densitometry; fluoroscopy and CT scan.

Patients benefit, too

Backus puts technology in everyone's hands

Physicians, nurses and other staff members aren't the only ones utilizing Backus technology. Now our patients can, too.

Backus is the only hospital in the region to offer patients, their families and friends access to CarePages.com, healthcare's largest social network. CarePages is a free personal, private web service to help patients, family and friends stay connected - before, during and after hospitalization. Users can share health updates, photos and supportive messages. CarePages also offers resources to help people cope with difficult and stressful situations.

And Backus provides easy access to health information and trends on our website - including UpToDate.com. Visit www.backushospital.org, and click on the UpToDate.com icon to search for relevant, current and evidence-based patient information that is written by and approved by doctors.