[Integration of PACS and HIS into the workflow of a nuclear medicine department. Experience in Regensburg].
OBJECTIVE
The development of new diagnostic techniques and the implementation of a modern quality control management system requires the continuous adaptation of existing data processing tools to the nuclear medicine diagnostic workflow. Furthermore, PACS connected to HIS facilitates and enhances the transfer of data and pictures, and satisfies the legal requirements for data retention as regulated by law. Therefore, the aim of this work is to present the architecture, structure and results of such a system newly installed in a department of nuclear medicine.


METHODS
Initially, the nuclear medicine workflow was carefully analyzed and each step was correlated to the corresponding module. The standard SAP R/3 and IS-H/IS-H(*)med based software used for patient administration at the University of Regensburg Hospital was adapted to the needs of the Nuclear Medicine Department. The networking of the imaging systems was done by integration of a PACS. Finally, the PACS was connected to the HIS to allow the attachment of images to the medical report.


CONCLUSIONS
By connecting the HIS to the nuclear medicine PACS, the workflow was significantly improved. The data management sequence starting at the reception desk, continuing through the nuclear medical examination, to the physician's final written and image report is clearly structured. Although high demands exist on technical support and administration the integration of PACS and HIS into the nuclear medicine workflow leads to enhanced efficiency and reduction in hospital costs. Patient and data management are considerably improved in this way.
Männer
P
P
Klinik der Universität Regensburg, Abteilung für Nuklearmedizin, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93042 Regensburg. peter.maenner@klinik.uni-regensburg.de
Tege
B
B
Fuchs
E
E
Reicherzer
H G
HG
Kurz
M
M
Marienhagen
J
J
Schönberger
J
J
Börner
W
W
Eilles
Chr
C
D004282:Documentation; D006801:Humans; D009684:Nuclear Medicine Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography / Q000379:methods; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000592:standards; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000592:standards; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods