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  • Title: Implementation of a departmental picture archiving and communication system: a productivity and cost analysis.
    Author: Macyszyn L, Lega B, Bohman LE, Latefi A, Smith MJ, Malhotra NR, Welch W, Grady SM.
    Journal: Neurosurgery; 2013 Sep; 73(3):528-33. PubMed ID: 23949142.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Digital radiology enhances productivity and results in long-term cost savings. However, the viewing, storage, and sharing of outside imaging studies on compact discs at ambulatory offices and hospitals pose a number of unique challenges to a surgeon's efficiency and clinical workflow. OBJECTIVE: To improve the efficiency and clinical workflow of an academic neurosurgical practice when evaluating patients with outside radiological studies. METHODS: Open-source software and commercial hardware were used to design and implement a departmental picture archiving and communications system (PACS). RESULTS: The implementation of a departmental PACS system significantly improved productivity and enhanced collaboration in a variety of clinical settings. Using published data on the rate of information technology problems associated with outside studies on compact discs, this system produced a cost savings ranging from $6250 to $33600 and from $43200 to $72000 for 2 cohorts, urgent transfer and spine clinic patients, respectively, therefore justifying the costs of the system in less than a year. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a departmental PACS system using open-source software is straightforward and cost-effective and results in significant gains in surgeon productivity when evaluating patients with outside imaging studies.
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