PACS clinical experience at Georgetown University

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Radiology
• Hospital Information Systems

Background:

• Georgetown University Hospital has utilized a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for over three years.
• Initial funding was provided by the Army Medical Research and Development Command's Digital Imaging Network Systems (DINS) project.
• The PACS evolved from a research tool to a clinically integrated system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize clinical experiences with a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
• To describe operational features implemented in a clinical PACS.
• To identify necessary features for future PACS development.

Main Methods:

• System implementation and integration into clinical workflow.
• Operational feature analysis over two-and-a-half years of clinical use.
• Review of system performance and user feedback.

Main Results:

• The PACS has been successfully integrated into clinical practice for two-and-a-half years.
• Key operational features have been implemented and refined.
• Ongoing needs for system enhancement have been identified.

Conclusions:

• Clinical PACS implementation requires careful planning and integration.
• Continuous evaluation of operational features is crucial for success.
• Further development is needed to optimize PACS for comprehensive clinical use.