Reengineering the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) process for digital imaging networks PACS

Prior to June 1997, military picture archiving and communications systems ( PACS) were planned, procured, and installed with key decisions on the syste m, equipment, and even funding sources made through a research and developm ent office called Medical Diagnostic Imaging Systems (MDIS). Beginning in J une 1997, the Joint Imaging Technology Project Office (JITPO) initiated a c ollaborative and consultative process far planning and implementing PACS in to military treatment facilities through a new Department of Defense (DoD) contract vehicle called digital imaging networks (DIN)-PACS. The JITPO reen gineered this process incorporating multiple organizations and politics. Th e reengineered PACS process administered through the JITPO transformed the decision process and accountability from a single office to a consultative method that increased end-user knowledge, responsibility, and ownership in PACS. The JITPO continues to provide information and services that assist m ultiple groups and users in rendering PACS planning and implementation deci sions. Local site project managers are involved from the outset and this en d-user collaboration has made the sometimes difficult transition to PACS an easier and more acceptable process for all involved. Corporately, this pro cess saved DoD sites millions by having PACS plans developed within the gov ernment and proposed to vendors second, and then having vendors respond spe cifically to those plans. The integrity and efficiency of the process have reduced the opportunity for implementing nonstandard systems while sharing resources and reducing wasted government dollars. This presentation will de scribe the chronology of changes, encountered obstacles, and lessons learne d within the reengineering of the PACS process for DIN-PACS. This is a US g overnment work. There are no restrictions on its use.