EXPERIENCE AND DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PICTURE ARCHIVING AND COMMUNICATION-SYSTEMS IN THE SURGICAL SETTING

An analysis of the efficacy of a picture archiving and communication s ystem (PACS) in the surgical domain was undertaken at the Baltimore Ve terans Affairs Medical Center. Interviews with surgeons and staff were conducted and supplemented by direct radiologist observation in the o perating room (OR) and surgical outpatient clinic to determine pattern s of routine clinical PACS use, levels of satisfaction both within and outside of the OR, and perceptions of the relative efficacy of the sy stem in comparison to film. These data as well as suggestions from the surgical staff members were used to make recommendations for specific modifications in PACS design and operation to improve the current sys tem and to help prescribe design improvements for future PAC systems. A high level of satisfaction with the system was found and the use of PACS was favored over film by a majority of surgeons and their staff. Findings of this study suggest that the design of a hospital-wide PAC system must have the flexibility to accommodate the specific requireme nts of a wide variety of end-users in their unique hospital environmen ts. Copyright (C) 1996 by W.B. Saunders Company