Radiology systems of the nineties: Meeting the challenge of change

Abstract

Digital imaging technology, particularly reconstructed images such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, has fueled the increased demand for radiologic services but has intensified storage and communications problems. Today more than 25% of radiologic examinations are digital in origin and, with progressive replacing of film images by digital images likely through the introduction of imaging plate technology, the radiology profession is undertaking the massive effort of evolving a new system where digital images will be transmitted, stored, retrieved and displayed by a multicomponent system connected by a local area network. Through this system, images will be nearly instantly accessible to anyone who needs them. A leading hypothesis is that when the volume of digital examinations reaches 50% of the whole, cost and efficiency considerations will lead to a massive conversion to the digital image management system, which will progress spontaneously. This conversion, unless planned for in today's equipment acquisitions, could lead to great economic stress in hospitals. The 50% point may be reached by the early 1990s.

Overcoming Challenges for Successful PACS Installation in Low-Resource Regions: Our Experience in Nigeria

“…Many of the interpretations saved to the reporting system are lost due to lack of adequate storage, causing a further gap in patients' records, which are subsequently missing a prior report for comparison. The new PACS has a built-in reporting and recording feature, which makes the dictation process more efficient, and provides a secure way to save reports and help ensure they are properly matched to the correct patient [2,3] (Fig. 2)…”