Technology assessment and requirements analysis: A process to facilitate decision making in picture archiving and communications system implementation

In a time of decreasing resources, managers need a tool to manage their res ources effectively, support clinical requirements, and replace aging equipm ent in order to ensure adequate clinical care. To do this successfully, one must be able to perform technology assessment and capital equipment asset management. The lack of a commercial system that adequately performed techn ology needs assessment and addressed the unique needs of the military led t o the development of an in-house Technology Assessment and Requirements Ana lysis (TARA) program. The TARA is a tool that provides an unbiased review o f clinical operations and the resulting capital equipment requirements for military hospitals. The TARA report allows for the development of acquisiti on strategies for new equipment, enhances personnel management, and improve s and streamlines clinical operations and processes. This is a US government work. There are no restrictions on its use.