[Internet technology for clinical applications in a digital radiography department].
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview and to assess the clinical feasibility of Internet technology-based systems for hospital-wide image and report distribution as well as for video conferencing.


METHODS
The paper describes the theoretical concept behind, the various technical approaches and the experience gained from different systems.


RESULTS
Image and report distribution: Advantages include the universal availability of images and reports inside and outside hospitals; ease of use; security features; image and report integration; cost savings by reducing support and training efforts and by optimising available hardware. The main critical issues are performance and workflow integration with RIS and PACS. Video conferencing: main advantages are the standardised, software-based approach and the low investments for hard- and software. Depending on the desired usage the communication performance can be seen as inappropriate.


CONCLUSIONS
Today, Internet technology-based systems appear to satisfy the main clinical needs in radiology. The mentioned drawbacks could be eliminated by means of modified software implementation and focused standardisation efforts. Considering the numerous advantages of these systems a further distribution can be expected for the future.
Bergh
B
B
Dezernat Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie, Klinikum der Johann Wolfgang Goethe Universität, Frankfurt am Main. bergh@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Pietsch
M
M
Vogl
T J
TJ
D003142:Communication; D016494:Computer Security; D003199:Computer Systems; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital; D011873:Radiology Information Systems; D012984:Software; D013679:Technology, Radiologic