Investigation of RIS/PACS Information Systems’ Incorporation in Greek Public Hospitals

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study is to assess the current level of Radiological Information Systems (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) incorporation in greek public hospitals through a national web-based survey. Since there are no previous studies on this field of medical imaging management in Greece, we look forward to export useful conclusions about RIS/PACS incorporation and set the foundation for further investigation.
 Material and Methods: A comprehensive measurement instrument that integrates the existing theoretical and empirical literature knowledge on Information Systems (IS) evaluation was properly modified and used for the purpose of this study. A web-based survey was conducted via Google Form questionnaire, which was distributed to the entire population of radiologists and radiologic technologists (potential users) of all greek public hospitals (urban and rural), in order to identify the availability of RIS/PACS Information Systems (IS), the level of incorporation through system’s impact on users satisfaction and their operating capacities (i.e. computerized activities and processes).
 Results: A total of 49 valid responses out of 77 collected questionnaires were received from all 124 greek public hospitals, which represents a response rate of 39.5%. Our very first findings indicate that establishment of RIS/PACS has not been fulfilled so far for the vast majority of greek public hospitals. Almost half of the participants (51%) responded that they use only the capabilities of PACS as a repository for medical images, instead of implementing all capabilities of RIS. Also, although 85.7% of the participants responded that they use disc publisher for medical imaging exams copies, only 6.1% responded that has gone totally filmless or paperless. 59.2% of the respondents has access to 5 or more workstations and 100% of the respondents agrees that ER and clinics should connect on hospital's RIS/PACS for viewing medical images, receiving electronic reports and updating patients' electronic files. Overall findings from statistical techniques demonstrate a statistically significant difference in perceived information (p-value=0.021) and service quality (p-value=0.036) with age of respondents. Finally, open feedback answers indicate that greek public hospitals have still many to set to successfully incorporate and exploit the wide range of RIS/PACS capabilities to improve quality, effectiveness and efficiency of patient care services.
 Discussions: Although, most of the respondents have an adequate level in the operation of information systems, lack of RIS/PACS usage training is noted, as well as users’ support from their own organization IT staff. Also, structural deficiencies worry system’s users, making them intolerant to adopting the system in daily practice. The recommendations of this study include RIS/PACS incorporation in every medical imaging department of greek hospitals, users training and support, as well as updating infrastructures where needed.