Can PACS make a radiology department more competitive?

• Published in: European journal of radiology Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 113 - 115
• Main Author: Strickland, Nicola H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.11.1999
• Subjects: Computer software; Computer systems programming; Digital image storage; Economic Competition - organization & administration; Efficiency, Organizational; Hospitals, Public - economics; Image communication systems; Medical computing; Picture archiving and communication systems; Radiology Department, Hospital - economics; Radiology Information Systems - economics; Real time systems; Real-time radiology; Software; Teleradiology; Teleradiology - organization & administration; United States; United States; Teleradiology; Picture archiving and communication systems; Software; Real-time radiology
• ISSN: 0720-048X; 1872-7727
• DOI: 10.1016/S0720-048X(99)00135-7

One of the motives for putting in a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is to improve efficiency and hence enhance the competitive strength of the radiology department. Many would argue that it is now negligent to consider installing an old fashioned conventional radiology department rather than a PACS. In considering the issue it is important to be clear about the nature of the competition facing radiologists. This varies depending on the country and upon whether the institution is public or private. PACS can potentially help to overcome this competition in two ways: by providing real-time radiology, and by enabling teleradiology. Success in these areas requires state-of-the-art implementations of PACS, particularly clinically relevant PACS software, and adequate staffing levels.