Clinical Problems Associated with the Introduction of PACS

The obvious advantages of PACS relating to the reporting, accessing, storing, and retrieval of images have made the the introduction of electronic imaging inevitable over the next decade. Assuming that the technical problems associated with PACS can be solved, there are several clinical and political problems which must be considered before the introduction of such a system. Initially, the radiologist must be convinced that the images are satisfactory and he must be convinced to change his habits to read from monitors. The hospital administration must be convinced that the efficiency and service provided by such systems justifies their cost even though they are not directly revenue producing. The system should be planned so that it is phased into a department to spread the cost over several years as well as to reduce the shock effect on the staff.