Considerations for planning and implementation.

Installing Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) has very wide implications on the radiology department and the hospital as a whole. PACS is an entire hospital investment, which will change many professionals' working practices. Its selection and implementation must involve all the groups it will affect and this demands an appropriate approach. Developing processes that establish the needs of the users, support strategic initiatives, and address risk management is not a minor undertaking. The development of a plan that provides PACS selection committees with a step-by-step roadmap to seek and procure PACS best suited to their workflow is a valuable tool. This review considers the process of planning and implementation for PACS.