Implementation of a departmental picture archiving and communication system: a productivity and cost analysis.

Publication/Presentation Date

9-1-2013

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Digital radiology enhances productivity and results in long-term cost savings. However, the viewing, storage, and sharing of outside imaging studies on compact discs at ambulatory offices and hospitals pose a number of unique challenges to a surgeon's efficiency and clinical workflow.

OBJECTIVE: To improve the efficiency and clinical workflow of an academic neurosurgical practice when evaluating patients with outside radiological studies.

METHODS: Open-source software and commercial hardware were used to design and implement a departmental picture archiving and communications system (PACS).

RESULTS: The implementation of a departmental PACS system significantly improved productivity and enhanced collaboration in a variety of clinical settings. Using published data on the rate of information technology problems associated with outside studies on compact discs, this system produced a cost savings ranging from $6250 to $33600 and from $43200 to $72000 for 2 cohorts, urgent transfer and spine clinic patients, respectively, therefore justifying the costs of the system in less than a year.

CONCLUSION: The implementation of a departmental PACS system using open-source software is straightforward and cost-effective and results in significant gains in surgeon productivity when evaluating patients with outside imaging studies.

Volume

73

Issue

3

First Page

528

Last Page

533

ISSN

1524-4040

Disciplines

Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods

PubMedID

23949142

Department(s)

Administration and Leadership

Document Type

Article

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