Can PACS make a radiology department more competitive?

One of the motives for putting in a picture archiving and communication sys tem (PACS) is to improve efficiency and hence enhance the competitive stren gth of the radiology department. Many would argue that it is now negligent to consider installing an old fashioned conventional radiology department r ather than a PACS. In considering the issue it is important to be clear abo ut the nature of the competition facing radiologists. This varies depending on the country and upon whether the institution is public or private. PACS can potentially help to overcome this competition in two ways: by providin g real-time radiology, and by enabling teleradiology. Success in these area s requires state-of-the-art implementations of PACS, particularly clinicall y relevant PACS software, and adequate staffing levels. (C) 1999 Elsevier S cience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.