title: Technology assessment and requirements analysis: a process to facilitate decision making in picture archiving and communications system implementation.
abstract: In a time of decreasing resources, managers need a tool to manage their resources effectively, support clinical requirements, and replace aging equipment in order to ensure adequate clinical care. To do this successfully, one must be able to perform technology assessment and capital equipment asset management. The lack of a commercial system that adequately performed technology needs assessment and addressed the unique needs of the military led to the development of an in-house Technology Assessment and Requirements Analysis (TARA) program. The TARA is a tool that provides an unbiased review of clinical operations and the resulting capital equipment requirements for military hospitals. The TARA report allows for the development of acquisition strategies for new equipment, enhances personnel management, and improves and streamlines clinical operations and processes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Radvany
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Chacko
authors.forename: R R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Grazdan
mesh_terms: D002202:Capital Financing; D003657:Decision Making; D004865:Equipment and Supplies, Hospital / Q000191:economics; D006295:Health Resources / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D006772:Hospitals, Military / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D010557:Personnel Administration, Hospital; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical; D000078329:Workforce