PACS a Picture Archiving and Communication System

¶ … picture archiving and communication system (PACS), a filmless radiology system that stores, retrieves, manages, distributes and display digital images. PACS replaces conventional radiological film and allows simultaneous computerized access by medical professionals and automation systems throughout the hospital and clinical environment. The market for PACS has grown since its introduction in the 1980s, expanding from $1 billion in 2008 to a projected $2.5 billion in 2015 (SearchHealthIT.com, 2010).

PACS consists primarily of four components: imaging systems, a secure local or wide area network for the distribution and exchange of patient information, workstations for viewing, processing and interpreting images, and storage archives that enable retrieval of images and related documentation and reports (SearchHealthIT.com, 2010).

One advantage of a PACS is the range of radiological image types which the system is compatible with, including X-ray photos, cyclopegia retinoscopy, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radio isotopes, and ultrasound (Biohealthmatics.com, 2010).

Benefits of using PACS includes the speed and efficiency that results from electronic data handling. PACS enables fast and efficient access to images, their interpretations and related data throughout an organization. PACS capabilities enable consultations between physicians who can simultaneously access the same images over networks, contributing to an improved diagnostic process (Biohealthmatics.com, 2010).

PACS is particularly helpful to physicians in emergency situations because they do not need to wait for long periods to view a patient's radiological images that are instantly available on the network when ready. PACS functionality also includes the ability to digitally enhance images, thereby providing sharper, more detailed images, allowing for improved diagnostic capabilities at radiological examinations (Biohealthmatics.com, 2010).

PACS advantages include the following:

Providing rapid access to critical information to reduce exam-to-diagnosis time, which is particularly useful in emergency and operating rooms

Elimination of film and the associated handling and storage costs

Ability to easily share images between reading radiologists as well as other physicians and medical records

Ability to archive and permanently store images at secure locations using database servers that manage the transfer, retrieval, and storage of images and relevant information

Flexibility to allow radiologists to access soft-copy images instantly after acquisition which expedites diagnosis and reporting at almost any available workstation

Cost-effective image sharing with other departments, even referring physicians at other locations, by providing access using the Internet or local intranet

Flexibility to use films or paper printouts as needed for traditional archiving or provision of images to other departments (Biohealthmatics.com, 2010).

Hospitals and clinics report definite advantages to using PACS. Not only can physicians on staff view images of patients at computer workstations in hospitals, they can also access medical images network-wide including outpatient medical imaging facilities as well as their own homes. They are able to quickly and conveniently access high-quality digital images for use in interpretation and diagnosis within minutes after X-rays or scans are performed (John C. Lincoln, 2012).

PACS benefits patient care in other ways as well. In addition to speeding the time it takes to receive a diagnosis, physician connectivity to PACS removes delays in delivering films, as well as the risk of damaged or lost films. Along with being electronically accessible, patient records can be made available by CD, a convenience for patients who travel (John C. Lincoln, 2012).

FirstHealth of the Carolinas reported that an unexpected PACS benefit has been collaboration among radiologists, who sought each other's opinions more than when they had to stand side-by-side to view film. According to Dr. David Furie, "Now it only takes a phone call to a colleague at another workstation, and then we can view the case simultaneously and discuss it. Patients benefit from the interpretive skills of the entire group" (McKesson, 2012). FirstHealth reported that, using PACS, radiologists could electronically manipulate images to enlarge areas, enhance clarity, rotate images and create 3-D images of organs, tissues, bones and blood vessels.

The government of Saskatchewan also reported PACS benefits for both patients and health care providers. They reported improved secure access to diagnostic imaging services in rural areas. They also cited a reduction in unnecessary patient transfers due to being able to transfer the diagnostic image for assessment prior to transferring the patient. They also experienced a reduction in unnecessary repeat diagnostic exams due to a previous study being not immediately available. PACS also allowed them to monitor who had accessed patients' medical files (Government of Saskatchewan, 2007).

According to the government of Saskatchewan, there are other benefits to using PACS. In addition to patient care enhancements, they experienced workflow improvements and operational efficiencies that led to better use of existing resources, resulting in increased capacity and throughput. Also, taking into account the minimal storage needs of the PACS system, they designed a new hospital that used the freed up space for patient care (Government of Saskatchewan, 2007).