Purchasing a PACS: from planning to procurement

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. They process images from diagnostic modalities and are interfaced to radiology information systems and hospital information systems to improve workflow. Ensuring that you select a PACS that is optimal for your facility requires planning and judgment. It also requires that you define your needs based on optimal workflow, clearly convey those needs to prospective suppliers, and organize responses for easy comparison. In this article, we outline the steps needed to prepare for a PACS purchase: (1) defining the scope of your PACS, (2) analyzing your workflow requirements so that you can plan workstation deployment, (3) ensuring adequate integration, (4) planning for your image-storage needs, (5) ensuring security, and (6) putting together an effective request for proposal.