Process reengineering: The role of a planning methodology and picture archiving and communications system team building

The acquisition of a picture archiving and communications system (PACS) is an opportunity to reengineer business practices and should optimally consid er the entire process from image acquisition to communication of results. T he purpose of this presentation is to describe the PACS planning methodolog y used by the Department of Defense (DOD) Joint Imaging Technology Project Office (JITPO), outline the critical procedures for each phase, and review the military experience using this model. The methodology is segmented into four phases: strategic planning, clinical scenario planning, installation planning, and implementation planning. Each is further subdivided based on the specific tasks that need to be accomplished within that phase. By using this method, an institution will have clearly defined program goals, objec tives, and PACS requirements before vendors are contacted. The development of an institution-specific PACS requirement should direct the process of pr oposal comparisons to be based on functionality and exclude unnecessary equ ipment. This PACS planning methodology is being used at more than eight DOD medical treatment facilities. When properly executed, this methodology fac ilitates a seamless transition to the electronic environment and contribute s to the successful integration of the healthcare enterprise. A crucial com ponent of this methodology is the development of a local PACS planning team to manage all aspects of the process. A plan formulated by the local team is based on input from each department that will be integrating with the PA CS. Involving all users in the planning process is paramount for successful implementation. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.