Dear PACS Insider,
Handling images from outside institutions can be a tricky workflow and data management problem. CDs offer challenges such as dealing with unfamiliar third-party software and a lack of availability to multiple users, while film may come with limitations such as suboptimal window and level settings.
Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, found that directly capturing images for trauma transfer patients from the referring hospital is an effective solution. However, with this approach, transmission of a single CT or ultrasound study takes approximately seven to 10 minutes, while simultaneous transfer of both images takes approximately 20 minutes, according to technical analyst Mary Holdren. The approach also facilitates the storage of the images on Geisinger's PACS network, where users can view them with familiar workstation software.
Holdren discussed her institution's experience with the system during a scientific session at the recent Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) annual meeting in Seattle. As a PACS Insider, you have access to the article before it is published for the rest of our AuntMinnie.com members. To learn more, click here.
In other articles from SIIM featured this month, you can find out how the Mayo Clinic has learned to improve upon the limitations of PACS with intelligent image routing.
Also, the debate over who should control PACS was renewed during the meeting. While some believe that PACS technology has become a component of the entire hospital informatics enterprise, others believe that radiology should wield the power it has and continue its leadership role in informatics technology.
In the end, though, control of PACS should depend on a facility's corporate culture and the level of sophistication of the IT department, according to the debate. Find out the details and join the discussion by clicking here.
Do you have a topic you'd like to see covered in the PACS Digital Community, or are you interested in submitting an article to AuntMinnie.com? Please feel free to drop me a line.
