Radiology information systems (RISs): state of the art and new perspectives

The Diagnostic Imaging Department plays a crucial role in the hospital structure, essentially due to the critical importance of its activities at the clinical as well as the organizational level. Moreover, its structure is complex and susceptible of changes in the course of time. Thus Radiology Information Systems (RISs) have acquired a specific relevance within Hospital Information Systems (HISs). The major requirements of a Diagnostic Imaging Department and the developmental course, RISs have followed in time to meet them effectively and efficiently, are reported. The main problems of the present situation and the trend of the future development of RISs are considered.