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My first CWA

In this section, you will learn how to create your first Clinical Web Application (CWA). CWAs are specialized web applications designed to streamline clinical workflows and improve patient care. By following this tutorial, you'll gain hands-on experience with the tools and processes required to build and deploy a functional CWA.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps, from setting up your development environment to deploying your application for production use.

Understanding the Structure of a CWA​

A Clinical Web Application (CWA) typically consists of two main components:

  1. Frontend:

    • The frontend is the user-facing part of the application. It is responsible for presenting data and enabling user interactions.
    • CWAs often incorporate advanced features such as 3D visualization, interactive charts, or dynamic forms to enhance the user experience. These features make it easier for clinicians to interact with complex clinical data intuitively.
    • Modern frontend frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js are commonly used to build responsive and efficient user interfaces.

  2. Backend:

    • The backend handles the application's core logic, data processing, and integration with external systems.
    • It ensures secure and reliable communication with databases, APIs, and other components of the AXS ecosystem. This includes managing patient data, clinical workflows, and interoperability with other healthcare systems.
    • Backend development often involves frameworks like Node.js, Django, or Spring Boot, depending on the specific requirements of the application.

Key Features of a CWA​

  • Integration with the AXS Ecosystem: CWAs are designed to seamlessly connect with the AXS ecosystem, enabling real-time data exchange and interoperability with other clinical tools. Specifically, CWAs integrate with the following AXS services and APIs:
    • AXS Patient Hub: For managing patient records and clinical data.
    • AXS Order Hub: For handling clinical orders and workflows.
    • AXS Vault: For secure file storage and retrieval.
    • Additional APIs and services within the AXS ecosystem may also be leveraged to enhance functionality and interoperability.
  • Virtual Patient Representation: CWAs provide a comprehensive representation of patient data through the concept of a "virtual patient." This includes patient records, medical scans, and inference outputs from AI models. The virtual patient enables clinicians to access and analyze all relevant data in one place, facilitating informed decision-making and personalized care.
  • Scalability: CWAs are built to handle varying workloads, ensuring consistent performance as the number of users or data volume grows.
  • Security and Compliance: Given the sensitive nature of clinical data, CWAs prioritize data security and adhere to healthcare regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.

Deployment and Management in Azure DevOps​

CWAs are deployed and managed within the Azure DevOps ecosystem, which provides a robust platform for continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD). This ensures that CWAs are delivered efficiently, with automated testing, version control, and monitoring. Azure DevOps also facilitates collaboration among development teams, enabling streamlined workflows and faster iteration cycles.

By combining these components and features, CWAs empower clinicians with tools that streamline workflows, reduce administrative burdens, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.