An integrated multidepartmental hospital imaging system: usage of data across specialties

Development of automated medical information systems requires knowledge about the utilization of the system; both for design and as feedback during the development process. One of the significant advantages of computer systems is that they can provide an automatic log of system utilization. This paper reports the first study of utilization data collected automatically in an integrated image environment. System monitoring indicates that images are routinely used in clinical care and clinical conferences. Selected images are shown repeatedly for teaching, demonstration, and reference at locations throughout the hospital. Images are viewed both by the collecting service when producing procedure reports and consultations, as well as by the treating physicians from other hospital services. Medical departments have developed image collection policies to meet their internal needs and the needs of treating physicians.