Integrating digital systems: commitment and collaboration

One year ago, the radiology department at Ball Memorial Hospital, a 350-bed facility in Muncie, IN, was completely film-based. The need to support a new all-digital, 35-room emergency department (ED) hastened the facility's transition to a digital environment. Today, with the exception of mammography, the hospital's imaging services are now digital. To develop and implement the project, the hospital formed an internal implementation team. An independent consultant was also hired to evaluate the impact of these new technologies and to provide an estimated cost payback. After research, site visits, and vendor demonstrations, the hospital selected a single vendor for its picture archiving and communication system (PACS), digital radiography (DR), computed radiography (CR), and overall project management. The DR system was installed in the ED to provide digital image capture for a full range of trauma exams. The ED also initially began utilizing a Web-based PACS distribution originally implemented for after-hours teleradiology. The majority of the hospital's imaging studies are captured with 2 multi-cassette CR systems that serve 7 exam rooms in the radiology department. The hospital also installed remote operations panels to expedite entry of patient and exam information. Technologists readily embraced both CR and DR systems. The Web distribution system now transmits images to hospital-based computers and to 150 remote referring physicians. The PACS platform automatically e-mails key images and radiology reports to referring physicians. Authorized physicians can also request reports and images on an as-needed basis. The PACS vendor had previously performed multiple integrations with the radiology information system (RIS) vendor; the integration of PACS and RIS was extremely smooth. One of the critical components of a successful conversion is experienced, dedicated management. The hospital retained professional project management services to facilitate implementation and to ensure adequate training for all users.     

PACS系统的应用体会

目的：介绍我院影像医学存档与通讯系统（ＰＡＣＳ）应用的经验。材料与方法：将所有Ｂ超、ＣＴ、Ｘ线机和一台ＩＢＭ服务器、四台奔腾Ⅱ档次的工作站及惠普光盘塔连接成医学数字影像传输（ＤＩＣＯＭ）网络;ＤＩＣＯＭ服务器与各种图像浏览终端羞以太网络;通过ＨＵＢ连接成ＰＡＣＳ系统。结果：将常规放射图像的模拟信号通过数字转换器转换为数字信号后,与ＣＴ等数字成像系统的数字信号一并输入光盘塔,并进行诊断。将数字图像和诊断报告一起舆到医院各个图像浏览终端,使其可通过ＷＥＢ界面系统及咨询平台进行查询。ＰＡＣＳ投入使用２年来,效果良好。结论：ＰＡＣＳ的应用明显提高了放射科及相关科室的工作效率,方便了工作、教学、科研和会诊。     

Picture archiving and communication system (PACS): A progressive approach with small systems

PACS represents the natural evolution from working with digital modalities (e.g. CT, US, MRI, CR) towards a global digital environment where the film based activities are progressively replaced by their digital counterpart. The advantages of the technique and the drawbacks of the first implementations are described, as well as the recent advances in terms of technology, architecture, medical integration and cost-effectiveness. The so called ‘second generation’ PACS concept is presented with its features: modular architecture, progressive implementation, multi-vendor environment, integration with the Hospital Information System, standardization. This approach is particularly suited for progressive implementation in an existing hospital, in contrast to the possible topdown construction of a filmless radiology department, as a project for a totally new hospital. The implementation into the university hospital AZ-VUB is described as case study.     

A comparison of image reject rates when using film, hard copy computed radiography and soft copy images on picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) workstations

A comparison has been made of the reject rates of plain images for three separate periods when film, computed radiography (CR) and PACS systems were in operation throughout the Hammersmith Hospital, London. There was a statistically significant reduction in the overall percentage reject rate across all examinations from 9.9% to 8.1% when the hospital changed from using a conventional film based system to a CR system. There was a further reduction in the reject rate to 7.3% when the hospital moved to a hospital-wide PACS system, but this change was not statistically significant. Using estimations of the total number of images used, the percentage reject rates were 6.6% for film, 5.5% for CR and 5.5% for PACS. Thus, if the radiation dose for each image is unchanged, and the same types of images are used for the examination of each body area, a move from conventional film imaging to phosphor plate imaging provides the potential to reduce the patient population dose.     

PACS: Vom Projekt zur Realität Erfahrungsbericht über die vollständige Digitalisierung der Radiologischen Abteilung eines Schwerpunktkrankenhauses

Objective. To assess the time needed and the resulting effects of a complete digitalisation of a radiological department of a major hospital (856 beds, 28.000 in-patients, 35000 out-patients/year) a pilot study was performed. This had to be done without interrupting routine services. Results. After intensive preparations were performed and the hospital-network was completed, within a two year period all radiological functions (mammography excluded), reporting stations and archives were changed to a complete digital workflow. All modalities (provided by 3 different companies) are now connected by DICOM-work lists. The picture-files (4 GB/day) are automatically routed to the work-stations (n = 10), where the reporting and file shows are performed, to the digital archive and to the peripheral viewing-stations (n = 44). The distribution of the digital pictures takes place all over the hospital including the ORs and special units. We accomplished, to connect electronically the report and the image data. The clinical file shows are also performed completely digitally. The access to the data of the deep archive is possible by the dept. of radiology without any manual interaction. The film consumption was reduced to an amount of less than 10%, as compared to the prior PACS situation. Since PACS has been introduced the radiological productivity increased by more than 15% and throughput-time was clearly reduced. Conclusions. The complete digitalisation increases productivity and attractiveness of a hospital-radiology and helps to shorten diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making. The transfer from a conventional to a digital workflow is possible without interrupting the clinical services. Extensive preparations and ongoing assistance of such projects though are clearly needed.     

小型医学影像存储与传输系统的临床应用

目的 探索小型医学图像存档与通讯系统(minimizing picture archiving and communication system，mini—PACS)在实际工作中的应用，逐步实现科室内的无胶片化管理。方法 建立基于PC机的局域网，连接CT、MR、数字胃肠机、DSA、激光相机等医学影像设备，整合数字图像网络(digital imaging network，DIN)和医学图像诊断系统(medical diagnostic imaging system，MDIS)，组成放射科信息管理系统(radiology information system，RIS)。RIS系统通过其中1台安装双网卡的PC工作站与医院信息系统(hospital information system，HIS)相连。结果 系统在2年多的时间内得到连续使用，放射科信息管理系统得以实现和完善。在现有的数字化影像设备上实现了符合医学数字图像传输标准3．0(digital imaging communication in medicine，DICOM3．0)格式的图像采集、储存、传输、打印、浏览功能。图像和诊断报告信息通过Microsoft Access数据库管理，不同设备上保存的在线图像为3～6个月，所有图像用CD—R光盘刻录，作为离线永久保存，已有32700多份诊断报告存入数据库；HIS终端可有限制地从该系统获得图像和诊断信息。结论 mini—PACS系统投入和运行成本低、维护简单、性能可靠，可基本实现PACS的重要功能，在中、小医院具有良好的应用前景。     

Picture archiving and communication systems: the users' view

A study was undertaken to assess the acceptability to users of a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). A questionnaire was issued to 208 users. Some questions required a graduated score in response and others a free text response. 101 responses were received from a cross section of hospital staff. The majority of users judged PACS to be a major advance for the hospital, with high quality images, less frustration than using film and an improvement in their working lives. They judged that it had made a positive change in their working practices and had met their expectations. They welcomed the access it gave them to Radiology reports. There was more ambivalence about the impact it had made to the efficiency of clinic consultations and the conduct of ward rounds. Free text responses were made concerning the benefits and disadvantages of PACS. Analysis of these demonstrated many more benefits than disadvantages. The Radiology department has been enabled to address the concerns of staff raised through the questionnaire, and has been encouraged by the positive responses. PACS has been accepted well by a wide cross section of hospital staff. It has improved their working lives and made a major contribution to the working of the hospital as a whole.     

医学影像信息系统整合临床应用探讨

目的 探讨我院PACS 与军字一号工程(HIS系统)的集成与临床应用.方法 通过DICOM 3.0标准接口将影像科数字化成像设备CR、DR、CT、B超、DSA、MRI与影像储存与传输系统(picture archiving and communications system,PACS)、军字一号系统相连接,构建全院医疗信息网.结果 在PACS-HIS统筹规划标准下,集成PACS-HIS工作站42个,HIS独立工作站67个(医师工作站35个,护士工作站32个),共计109个工作站点覆盖全院各科室,实现医疗信息资源共享.结论 PACS-HIS系统整合提高了医学影像综合管理水平,降低了医院整体运营成本,它将在影像科室、临床科室、医学教育、远程会诊方面发挥重要作用.     

Review of optical storage technology for archiving digital medical images

Digital optical recording (DOR) is a data-acquisition and storage technology important to the development of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). DOR offers attractive advantages in high-density, low-cost archival storage of images and other information. At present, film is used as the storage medium for archiving images generated by both conventional equipment and digital technologies such as computed tomography, digital subtraction angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear medicine. The basic methods of DOR data storage are discussed together with requirements essential for making DOR an acceptable alternative to film archiving. The impact of DOR technology on the operation of an imaging department is projected.     

Managing the film library: what to do until the panacea arrives

Today's imaging departments are complex and often decentralized. Despite such growth, the film library is often overlooked and minimally planned for. The oversight may come from the anticipation of picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), considered by many to be the panacea for film management, but in reality, still only a concept, or at best, in its early stages. Since most departments do not anticipate going filmless for many years and others expect to continue hard copy imaging at a 20 to 30 percent rate, managing the film library remains an important issue. In general, film librarians' daily work remains labor intensive, despite attempts to automate some tasks. Yet when cutbacks are made, this support staff is often cut. One way to deal with service and expansion issues in the film library is to stop and evaluate the situation, assess the decline in the level of service, and determine what issues need improvement. Managers should gather information, analyze the data and listen to all interested parties to be sure they understand the overall problems, often best done by someone from outside the department. Analyzing and evaluating work processes, even observing the design of work areas, can be useful in understanding productivity inside the department. An invaluable way to gather data is to listen to those who carry out the daily tasks and those who use the services. Until their needs are understood by management, further changes will have minimal success. When a list of issues is assembled, managers should establish a team to review and prioritize them. Team members will need to understand departmental long-term plans before making recommendations. While every library's operations are unique, a key problem remains lost films. Policies and procedures for removing films must come from hospital senior administration, while managing film within the department is everyone's job. With the chaos under control, managers will be ready to face the challenge of electronic imaging.     

医学图像存储与传输系统的初步应用与效益分析

目的：通过组建及应用大型医学图像存储与传输系统（PACS），总结PACS对医院工作方法、管理及服务等诸方面的贡献。方法：运用质量因素处理（QFD）的方法对医院诊断与非诊断性劳动比值、科研数据可查询率（％）、胶片查询、单位服务成本、病人等待时间等方面的分析，比较建立及应用PACS前后之间的诸多参数及因素。结果：组建PACS后，急诊影像检查时间平均减少64％、数据信息保存比率提高了50％、出报告时间缩短、胶片用量节省33％、图像检索的时间效率提高95％，以及其他诸多方面都有不同程度的改善和提高。结论：组建1个真正符合医院具体实际情况的大型PACS系统非常重要，因为它将对医院的工作方法、管理等方面起到积极的推动作用，加快和促进医院向更快、更高的数字化方向发展。     

应用图像浏览软件构建简易医学影像存档与通讯系统的研究

目的论证利用数字影像与通信标准（Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine,DICOM）图像浏览软件构建简易医学影像存档与通讯系统（picture archiving and communication systems,PACS）,实现医学影像全院性共享及远程会诊的方法及其可行性。方法利用医院现有的局域网、各个科室现有PC机,采用互联网上免费DICOM图像浏览软件,通过网络及软件设置,将具有DICOM接口并开放的影像设备（如CR、DR、CT、MRI、DSA、数字胃肠及具有网络接口的激光胶片相机等）与PC机连接。结果具有DICOM图像浏览软件的PC机实现实时传输、调阅影像图像,达到类PACS效果。同时可以利用互联网,实现远程会诊。结论利用DICOM图像浏览软件构建简易PACS系统方法简单、经济、实用,特别适合在各中小型医院。     

Film-free efficiency systems: a new cost-effective approach

Pressure is on healthcare providers to make their services more affordable. Streamlining operations to improve efficiency is one means of achieving that goal. PACS has been touted as the technology to improve radiologic services. Sold as a way to eliminate lost records and lower operations costs, in reality, PACS has raised costs and slowed work flow in many cases. Perhaps PACS that raise operations costs are more properly named digital overhead generating systems (DOGS). There is an alternative solution--film-free efficiency systems (FFES), defined as the technological tools required to lower radiologic costs and improve services. A new type of image and information management technology and distinct from traditional PACS in a number of ways, film-free efficiency systems are immediately cost effective. They improve personnel efficiency, reduce costs per RVU, provide an alternative to film and exclude the use of any technology that is not cost effective. Implementation of these systems must begin with a clearly stated mission, a leadership statement and financial accountability. To guarantee an immediate financial gain in your department, you'll want to finance the system through material cost savings. Implementation should start with the digital modalities. The next step is to retrain staff and reengineer the workplace, followed by creating the necessary infrastructure of PCs in referring physicians' offices. Lastly, implement CR or digital radiography as prices drop and technologies improve in speed.     

Installing PACS--lessons learned.

In 1997, Carson-Tahoe Hospital in Carson City, Nev., looked into the possibility of installing its own PACS system. Increased productivity was the main business goal the hospital hoped a PACS system would meet. Only two of three chosen vendors seriously considered the request to bid because of the small number of films produced by the hospital. After installation, the hospital identified the referring physicians who used the most film and then directed its marketing efforts to them. Lessons learned include the tremendous need for training of staff, referring physicians and radiologists. Expect everyone to be slow the first week the new system is running. Map out all processes to prepare for contingencies. Make plans for archiving and be flexible in assigning tasks--next week things may change. Consider bringing in an outside consultant to measure people's expectations and fears. After nearly a year, neither the technologists nor physicians express any regrets about the installation of PACS at Carson-Tahoe.     

PACS需求方案的设计方法和原则

目的结合我们的ＰＡＣＳ设计实践探讨ＰＡＣＳ系统需求方案的设计方法和原则。材料与方法搜集和分析各类ＰＡＣＳ有关的信息和数据,建立对ＰＡＣＳ发展技术和动向的深入理解,基于此确立将构建的ＰＡＣＳ系统的规模、结构和功能方面的实际需求。结果ＰＡＣＳ的ＲＦＰ中主要的组成包括：放射科以及医院状况的概述和对ＰＡＣＳ的一般需求;对新建ＰＡＣＳ及其亚系统的结构和功能需求的细节描述;对ＰＡＣＳ集成／提供商的能力和产品支持的具体要求的描述和说明。结论建立基于放射科和医院实际需求的ＲＦＰ,是完成适用并具较高性价比ＰＡＣＳ设计方案的可靠保证。     

Taking digital imaging to the next level: challenges and opportunities

New medical imaging technology, such as multi-detector computed tomography (CT) scanners and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, are creating new possibilities for non-invasive diagnosis that are leading providers to invest heavily in these new technologies. The volume of data produced by such technology is so large that it cannot be "read" using traditional film-based methods, and once in digital form, it creates a massive data integration and archiving challenge. Despite the benefits of digital imaging and archiving, there are several key challenges that healthcare organizations should consider in planning, selecting, and implementing the information technology (IT) infrastructure to support digital imaging. Decisions about storage and image distribution are essentially questions of "where" and "how fast." When planning the digital archiving infrastructure, organizations should think about where they want to store and distribute their images. This is similar to decisions that organizations have to make in regard to physical film storage and distribution, except the portability of images is even greater in a digital environment. The principle of "network effects" seems like a simple concept, yet the effect is not always considered when implementing a technology plan. To fully realize the benefits of digital imaging, the radiology department must integrate the archiving solutions throughout the department and, ultimately, with applications across other departments and enterprises. Medical institutions can derive a number of benefits from implementing digital imaging and archiving solutions like PACS. Hospitals and imaging centers can use the transition from film-based imaging as a foundational opportunity to reduce costs, increase competitive advantage, attract talent, and improve service to patients. The key factors in achieving these goals include attention to the means of data storage, distribution and protection.     

通过工作列表实现数字化网络各系统之间患者信息的一致性

目的 实现图像存储与传输系统(picture archiving and communication system，PACS)、放射学信息系统(radiology information systems，RIS)、影像设备之间患者检查信息的一致性。方法 我院引进GE Signa 1．5T磁共振、数字乳腺，Agfa数字X线摄影、计算机X线摄影及GE CT等数字化医学设备。GE PACS是英文系统，所以前期医院在未解决信息一致性时只通过PACS对检查影像进行保存，通过PACS系统中简单的信息管理工作，并没有真正意义上的worklist。2个月后，我院采用国际上先进的解决方法即通过医学数字成像及通讯(digital imaging and communication in medicine，DICOM)标准的工作列表(worklist)的方法实现信息的一致性。在RIS系统中将患者中文信息转换为英文信息，保存并为worklist提供患者的英文信息。结果 我院在集成PACS和RIS的2年多时间以来，通过worklist来保证RIS与影像设备患者检查信息的一致性，取得了非常好的效果。在所有诊断工作站上，诊断医生通过中文RIS系统，对病人的信息进行编辑、修改、产生。结论 通过worklist实现PACS、RIS、影像设备之间患者检查信息的一致性是可行的。