Picture archiving and communication systems

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are highly versatile data storage and retrieval systems that facilitate the transfer of digital images and patient data throughout a healthcare enterprise. Typically, they process images from diagnostic imaging modalities and are interfaced to radiology information systems (RISs) and hospital information systems (HISs) to help create a single patient record and improve overall workflow. For this Update Evaluation, we tested eight PACS from eight major suppliers. Ideally, a PACS should allow the facility to achieve a fully automated workflow, in which patient data could move seamlessly from one system to another in a single electronic medical record. Although our testing found that this ideal has not yet been realized, many of the evaluated systems have taken significant steps in that direction. Three of the systems covered in this issue were originally tested for our November 2000 Evaluation. Because PACS technology evolves so rapidly, we haven't simply provided updated data on these three systems, as we customarily would for an Update Evaluation. Instead, we have reexamined the systems from top to bottom and are presenting the results in brand-new Product Profiles, alongside the profiles for the five other systems evaluated here for the first time.