CLINICAL-EXPERIENCE WITH PACS - DIGITAL R ADIOLOGY

We present our experience during the first 21 months of using hospital -wide network technology and digital archiving in connection with digi tal radiology in the Radiology Department at the SMZO/Danube hospital in Vienna. This means digital generation, archiving and distribution o f radiographs as well as monitor reporting embedded in HIS and RIS. Th e clinical use of PACS demands full integration of all subsystems and modalities in a digital way, as was first realized at the Danube Hospi tal. With this approach, a reduction in radiation dose, improved commu nication and thus a reduction in the length of hospital stay and healt h care cost are attained.