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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Whole-body PET/MRI of Pediatric Patients: The Details That Matter
Published on: December 19, 2017
Pediatric radiology informatics within a larger academic practice.
1Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, 29425, SC, USA. mcbeem@musc.edu.
Pediatric radiology divisions in consolidated health systems face unique informatics challenges. This review highlights practical solutions for optimizing systems designed for adult needs to better serve pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Informatics in Radiology
- Pediatric Radiology
- Academic Health Systems
Background:
- Academic health systems are consolidating, integrating electronic health records (EHR), picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and reporting platforms.
- This consolidation often results in governance structures optimized for adult services, posing challenges for pediatric radiology divisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the informatics challenges and opportunities for pediatric radiology within larger academic radiology departments.
- To provide practical strategies for improving systems that are often designed around adult needs.
Main Methods:
- Review of published literature.
- Analysis of author's institutional experience.
Main Results:
- Key areas of focus include governance, leadership, interoperability, workflow, scheduling, reporting, patient safety, operational analytics, teleradiology, and artificial intelligence.
- Systems integration presents both challenges and opportunities for pediatric radiology.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric radiology divisions need to adapt informatics systems to meet the specific needs of pediatric patients within consolidated academic health systems.
- Proactive strategies are essential to ensure patient safety and operational efficiency.
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