Changes in technologist productivity with implementation of an enterprisewide PACS

The purpose of this report is to determine what effect filmless operation has on technologist productivity when compared with traditional film-based operation. Retrospective data on technologist productivity was collected from the study institution before and after implementation of PACS using workload reports and payroll records. Departmentwide technologist productivity was defined as the number of examinations per full-time equivalent (exams/FTE) and correlated with local and nationwide standards operating in traditional film-based operations. During film-based operation, technologist productivity was comparable between the study institution and nationwide standards, allowing for the unique examination volumes and modality mix. After implementation of a large-scale PACS, technologist productivity was found to increase 34% above that of national standards and 48% that of the local control site. Implementation of an enterprisewide PACS offers the potential to significantly improve departmentwide technologist productivity when compared with traditional film-based operation.