A Situation Analysis on PACS prospects for a Developing Nation

Abstract

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) provides a digital radiological workflow environment to improve efficacy and efficiency in patient care. The traditional film based system existing in Sri Lanka is fast becoming obsolete with an array of shortcomings and drawbacks such as high turnaround time, film loss and high cost of generation, storage and transport. PACS in combination with the Hospital Information System (HIS) and the Radiological Information System (RIS) provides seamless integration of patient and administrative data to digital images. It also provides remote and multiple accesses to all digital images and image manipulation, thus, providing solutions for current issues in Sri Lanka. Though, with an ocean of benefits around the corner the practical application of such a system is indeed not straight forward for a developing nation with limited resources. The practical implications of the lack of basic technology, network infrastructure, qualified personnel, strategy and legal backing need to be addressed. Although, the most important aspect would be dedication and positive attitude towards attaining excellence to through "digitisation", for the sheer betterment of the masses.

Keywords: PACS, DICOM, Medical Imaging, Situation Analysis, RIS, HIS, Drawbacks, Solutions, Medical Informatics, Developing Nation

Sri Lanka Journal of Bio-Medical Informatics 2010;1(2):112-117

DOI: 10.4038/sljbmi.v1i2.1730