To explain this point look at what happens within the radiology department film library. Basically the film librarians job is to maintain the patient files in proper order through preset procedures while securing the files from unauthorized access. In essence this means the film librarian must pull, file, re-file and log every action in order to account for the patient file location and other medical information contained in the folder whether by computer or manually. Although some of this record keeping is now performed by a RIS the image handling is still performed manually.
Once an exam is completed it is accessed by clinicians and other ancillary staff approximately 8 times more than that for radiology. Clinicians are continually accessing the film jacket not only to review the films but to review the report because the report is not on the patient chart along with the x-ray when they perform rounds. Everyone knows this function is not limited to a single physician, it usually consist of two or more physicians working on the same patient. This is then multiplied again if it is a teaching institution.
Put all of this into an electronic world and the film librarians job shrinks to providing copies and reprints for clinicians etc. who are outside the hospital network. Some radiologists are going to be happier since comparative exams are always available. The clinicians are more productive if all the information they need is available at one place.
The benefits do not stop here. It does not stretch ones imagination to reveal the global effects of instituting a PACS. The possibilities range from an Intranet for physician image viewing and consultation to utilizing the Internet for patient education and exam scheduling.
Generally what makes a PACS work is it provides information to multiple users at the same time regardless of their location.
Last Updated 16 February 1997 by Peter C. Veader