Toshiba and AHRA Launch Seventh Annual Putting Patients First Program

TUSTIN, Calif., August 12, 2014 – Providing hospitals with resources and support to develop and improve patient care programs, AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management announces the seventh year of its Putting Patients First Program. Putting Patients First grants enable healthcare facilities to fund programs, training or seminars aimed at improving patient care and safety and customizing treatment in CT, MR, Ultrasound, X-ray and Vascular imaging. The grants are funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.

The AHRA & Toshiba Putting Patients First Program provides six grants of up to $7,500 each to hospitals and imaging centers, and an additional grant of up to $20,000 to an Integrated Delivery Network (IDN). Three of the $7,500 grants are awarded for projects that improve pediatric imaging, while the other three are awarded for projects that improve overall patient care and safety in imaging. The grant of up to $20,000 is awarded to an IDN or hospital system for projects that improve overall patient care and safety in imaging across the IDN/hospital system. All winning facilities will then develop and share their best practices.

“The purpose of the Putting Patients First grants is to facilitate progress in the quality, efficacy and efficiency of patient care for healthcare facilities,” said Ed Yoder, CRA, FAHRA, president, AHRA. “A look at previous winners shows a commitment to using creativity and quality to provide the highest standard of care.”

Putting Patients First applicants are judged on their program plan and ability to share best practices. The applicants’ programs should address one or more of the following:

·         Reducing radiation and/or contrast dose
·         Reducing the need for sedation
·         Improving communication with patients regarding the process
·         Improving patient comfort
·         Improving the overall clinical pathway

“Understanding the business of providers is our business, and that’s why Toshiba continues to support the Putting Patients First program as part of its long-standing tradition of giving back to hospitals and healthcare facilities,” said Nancy Gillen, vice president, Marketing and Strategic Development, Toshiba. “Additionally, collaboration between hospitals and other leading healthcare providers is a unique opportunity to ensure that the best diagnostic and treatment options are given for all patient exams.”

All eligible facilities are encouraged to apply by completing an application at www.ahraonline.org or www.medical.toshiba.com. The deadline to apply is October 14, 2014, and the winners, selected by the AHRA, will be announced at RSNA in December.

About AHRA
AHRA: The Association for Medical Imaging Management is the preeminent organization for leaders in medical imaging. AHRA offers a complete slate of professional development programs, including a comprehensive selection of education conferences and seminars through its Leadership Institute, diverse networking opportunities, award-winning publications and the Certified Radiology Administrator credential. Founded in 1973, AHRA’s more than 5,000 members represent management at all levels for freestanding imaging centers, hospital imaging departments and group practices. More information about AHRA can be found at www.ahraonline.org.

About Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc.
With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Toshiba America Medical Systems (TAMS) markets, sells, distributes and services radiology and cardiovascular systems, including CT, MR, ultrasound, X-ray and cardiovascular equipment, and coordinates clinical diagnostic imaging research for all modalities in the United States. For more information, visit the TAMS website at www.medical.toshiba.com.

About Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation
Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a leading worldwide provider of medical diagnostic imaging systems and comprehensive medical solutions, such as CT, X-ray and vascular, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and MRI systems, as well as information systems for medical institutions. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation has been providing medical products for over 80 years. Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba. Visit Toshiba Medical Systems Corporation’s website at www.toshibamedicalsystems.com.

About Toshiba
Toshiba Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, channels world-class capabilities in advanced electronic and electrical product and systems into five strategic business domains: Energy & Infrastructure, Community Solutions, Healthcare Systems & Services, Electronic Devices & Components, and Lifestyles Products & Services. Guided by the principles of The Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to the Future,” Toshiba promotes global operations towards securing “Growth Through Creativity and Innovation” and is contributing to the achievement of a world in which people everywhere live in safe, secure and comfortable society.
Founded in Tokyo in 1875, today’s Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over 200,000 people worldwide, with annual sales surpassing 6.5 trillion yen (US$63 billion). To find out more about Toshiba, visit www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.