Review article: some cost-benefit considerations for PACS: a radiological perspective

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Radiology
• Health Information Systems

Background:

• Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) are crucial for modern radiology departments.
• The integration of digital imaging and information systems is transforming healthcare delivery.
• Previous cost-benefit analyses often focused narrowly on economic factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the cost-benefit considerations of implementing a hospital-wide Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS).
• To highlight the integral components of a true PACS, including digital radiography, soft-copy display, and image retrieval.
• To emphasize the broader implications of PACS beyond economic issues, focusing on data management and system integration.

Main Methods:

• Review of cost-benefit considerations for hospital-wide PACS implementation.
• Analysis of key technological components: phosphor imaging plates (computed radiography), soft-copy display, and image retrieval.
• Evaluation of the role of PACS in conjunction with hospital and radiological information systems.

Main Results:

• The acquisition of digital radiography, soft-copy display of clinical information, and retrieval of prior images are essential PACS features.
• Cost-benefit considerations extend beyond economics to encompass efficient data management.
• Ubiquitously available hardware and demonstrated performance in filmless hospitals support PACS adoption.

Conclusions:

• Software design and implementation are the most critical factors determining the clinical and radiological benefits of a PACS.
• Proper interfacing of PACS with hospital and radiological information systems is paramount for efficient data management.
• A hospital-wide PACS, when properly implemented, offers significant advantages in data management and clinical workflow.