Referring physicians' perceived benefits of PACS: a regional survey pre- and post-PACS implementation

Referring physicians in theWestern Health Authority of Newfoundland and Labrador were administered a survey before and after PACS was implemented across all acute sites in the province.The survey had 31.7% and 35.0% response rates, respectively. There was considerable support found for PACS both pre- and post-implementation in the areas of exam access and review, PACS functionality, quality of reports, efficiency, and site-to-site professional consultations.There was limited support that PACS reduced hospital length of stay. Surveys such as the one employed in this study provide an opportunity to measure the perceived benefit and challenges of PACS in a relatively cost effective manner.