Harold Benson

A Comparison of Case Retrieval Times: Film Versus Picture Archiving and Communications Systems

One of the advantages that a picture archiving and communications system (PACS) is supposed to provide over a film-based operation is improved performance in retrieving images. Although it seems self-evident that this should be so, this experiment was intended to verify this and to provide some time comparisons for the two methods. The experiment consisted of randomly selecting ultrasound and computed tomography cases and determining how long it took to retrieve files at a PACS workstation or in person from the file room. To simulate actual retrieval volumes, a total of 40 cases from current to 6 months old, 20 cases from the past year, and 10 cases more than 1 year old was selected. Results indicate that PACS retrieval can indeed be faster than file room retrieval. However, the difference is less for recent cases than for older cases. For cases 6 or fewer months old, the workstation retrieval was approximately 2.5 minutes faster per case than the film file room. This time difference increased markedly when extended to the 1-year and older-than-1-year groups. This report details the results of this study and provides information about the reliability of the two archives.

PACS clinical experience at Georgetown university

Georgetown University Hospital has been operating an image management and communications system (IMACS or PACS) for 3.5 years. This work was initially funded under the Army Medical Research and Development Command Digital Imaging Network Systems (DINS) project. The system was taken from a research system supporting only radiology tasks to one extended to clinical use, and has been used in clinical work for 3 years. This paper will summarize our PACS clinical experience and will describe the operational features implemented and those still necessary.

Total Digital Department: Implementation Strategy

The radiology department of the future will be dramatically different in its operations because of the rapid development of digital radiography devices and image management technology. The introduction of new diagnostic devices such as MRI, CT, and SPECT has given powerful tools to diagnosticians, without changing the basic operational mode of radiology service. Recent advances in computed radiography (CR) and image management and communication systems (IMACS) have made it possible to move a significant portion of radiology service toward a filmless environment. It is increasingly clear that within the next several years a fully automated radiology service, with only a limited use of films, can be achieved. In such an environment the operations of a radiology service may be significantly different from those of a film-based service.

Baseline Study Of Radiology Services For The Purpose Of PACS Evaluation

The management of the vast amounts of medical images and information generated by todays clinical services is a growing problem. The solution to the problem will increasingly require the use of advanced technologies data storage, image display, communication, and human engineering. The progress of individual technologies has been rapid; however, system integration and user acceptance of digital image management technology have been slow . Critical evaluation of the efficacy of this use of technology is essential for the evolution of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) in radiology.

Completion of a Hospital-Wide Comprehensive Image Management and Communication System

A comprehensive image management and communication (IMAC) network has been installed at Georgetown University Hospital for an extensive clinical evaluation. The network is based on the AT&T CommView system and it includes interfaces to 12 imaging devices, 15 workstations (inside and outside of the radiology department), a teleradiology link to an imaging center, an optical jukebox and a number of advanced image display and processing systems such as Sun workstations, PIXAR, and PIXEL. Details of network configuration and its role in the evaluation project are discussed.

Integration of a RIS with an IMACS

The interface of radiology information systems (RIS) to image management and communications systems (IMACS), also known as picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), is necessary if they are to become clinically accepted. At Georgetown, we have started development of an interface between our MIIS based RIS and our AT&T CommView system. This interface is based on a one-way flow of information, with data transferring from the RIS to the PACS only. The interface is invisible to the user and requires no special action by the user to facilitate data transfer.

PACS clinical experience at Georgetown University

Georgetown University Hospital has been operating an image management and communications system (IMACS or PACS) for three-and-a-half years. This work was initially funded under the Army Medical Research and Development Command Digital Imaging Network Systems (DINS) project. The system was taken from a research system supporting only radiology tasks to one extended to clinical use, and has been used in clinical work for two-and-a-half years. This paper will summarize our PACS clinical experience and will describe the operational features implemented and those still necessary.

Assessment of the integration of a HIS/RIS with a PACS

The exchange of information between a Radiology Information System (RIS) and a PACS is essential to optimizing the utility of a PACS. Some of the benefits awarded by implementing an interface include a reduction or elimination of repetitious data entry, the availability of more accurate information on the PACS, a reduction in workload for the technologists, registration clerks, transcriptionists, etc, and the availability of more accurate data for automating the PACS. This paper discusses the Georgetown experience of interfacing an HIS/RIS and PACS, by describing the development of the interface and its impact on clinical operations.

Development And Operational Evaluation Of PACS Network At Georgetown University

The increased use of digital imaging and data base management technologies has set the stage for the development of comprehensive medical image and information management system for large medical facilities. An image management and communication system (IMACS) can take on a variety of forms depending on specific user needs. In one form or another, the technology of IMACS is a part of radiologys future.

Optimization of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) Network Performance: Simulation and Validation

Network performance analysis is an important part of PACS implementation. An understanding of the operational PACS - is necessary for the development of a realistic computer model of the system. Subsequent simulations of the model will help locate under and over utilized nodes and predict the effect of changes to the network. At Georgetown, we have started a model of our AT&T PACS, by first studying the acquisition aspect of the PACS in detail and developing a computer model using PAW simulation software.