A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting and (Potentially) Replacing PACS: Navigating the Decision-Making Processes

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Radiology Technology
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Selecting a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is critical for radiology workflow and efficiency.
• Limited structured guidance exists for PACS procurement, necessitating a robust evaluation framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a comprehensive, data-driven, six-phase approach for evaluating and selecting a clinical PACS.
• To provide a reproducible methodology for healthcare institutions undertaking technology procurement.

Main Methods:

• Developed a six-phase process: team formation, expectation setting, background assessment, initial vendor assessment, virtual demonstrations, and final evaluation.
• Utilized a multidisciplinary committee to define 11 pillars and 236 weighted concepts for PACS functionality.
• Employed quantitative and qualitative data, surveys, standardized demonstrations, RFPs, and cost analyses for vendor scoring.

Main Results:

• Shortlisted five vendors after initial assessment, followed by virtual demonstrations for five, and onsite assessments for three.
• The incumbent vendor was ultimately selected, with recommendations for future reevaluation using defined metrics.
• The methodology emphasized transparency, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making.

Conclusions:

• The described data-driven, multi-phase approach offers a reproducible methodology for PACS selection.
• This adaptable and scalable framework can guide technology procurement in healthcare institutions.
• Successful PACS selection hinges on detailed assessment metrics and robust stakeholder feedback.