Evaluation of Radiology Information Systems including PACS at Two Tertiary Hospitals in India from User’s Perspective

Abstract

Today there has been growing global emphasis on the need for Hospital Management Information Systems (HMIS). Plethora of studies have shown the benefits of implementing HMIS. The RIS is a subset of HIS which is smaller in scale. Method:A comprehensive descriptive qualitative study was undertaken from April 2012 to December 2012. The study setting involved two tertiary care public hospitals (main hospital and an associated hospital) located at different and distant locations in the same city. All the consultants in the department of radiology (11) were interviewed except one who was not available during the period of study and Convenience sampling was used to select other Key Informants. A Structured questionnaire was used to evaluate various aspects of RIS & PACS from the end user's perspective.Results: Overall performance of RIS at main hospital was rated as Satisfactory by 55 percent, neutral by 35 percent and very satisfactory by another 10 percent of the respondents.Overall performance of RIS at associated hospital was rated as Dissatisfactory by 25 percent, neutral by 70 percent and satisfactory by rest i.e., 5 percent. Discussion and Conclusion:The user feedback is very important for the success of Hospital Management Information Systems, Radiology Information and PACS. The end user should be involved in the decision to introduce technology at the hospital