DicomWorks: software for reviewing DICOM studies and promoting low-cost teleradiology.
DicomWorks is freeware software for reading and working on medical images [digital imaging and communication in medicine (DICOM)]. It was jointly developed by two research laboratories, with the feedback of more than 35,000 registered users throughout the world who provided information to guide its development. We detail their occupations (50% radiologists, 20% engineers, 9% medical physicists, 7% cardiologists, 6% neurologists, and 8% others), geographic origins, and main interests in the software. The viewer's interface is similar to that of a picture archiving and communication system viewing station. It provides basic but efficient tools for opening DICOM images and reviewing and exporting them to teaching files or digital presentations. E-mail, FTP, or DICOM protocols are supported for transmitting images through a local network or the Internet. Thanks to its wide compatibility, a localized (15 languages) and user-friendly interface, and its opened architecture, DicomWorks helps quick development of non proprietary, low-cost image review or teleradiology solutions in developed and emerging countries.
Puech
Philippe A
PA
Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, CERIM, Faculte de Medecine, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045 Lille Cedex, France. puech@dicomworks.com
Boussel
Loïc
L
Belfkih
Samir
S
Lemaitre
Laurent
L
Douek
Philippe
P
Beuscart
Régis
R
D003199:Computer Systems; D003626:Data Display; D003628:Database Management Systems; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D034742:Electronic Mail; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D016247:Information Storage and Retrieval; D020407:Internet; D008122:Local Area Networks; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000191:economics; D012984:Software; D012985:Software Design; D019112:Teleradiology / Q000191:economics; D014584:User-Computer Interface