title: Picture, archiving and communication system in the Italian NHS: a primer on diffusion and evaluation analysis.
abstract: This contribution focuses on picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) in the Italian National Healthcare System (NHS). It finally aims to test the Chiefs Radiology Department's perceptions about PACS along the main evaluation dimensions emerging from the literature. First, a brief review of the main literature concerning PACS evaluation leads the authors to classify the different approaches undertaken and highlight the main variables of investigation. Second, the evidence emerging from a survey is presented and discussed in the light of the literature review. The survey aims to: (a) map out the degree of PACSs diffusion and their main features in the Italian NHS; (b) verify whether and how PACS impact the dimensions analyzed in many evaluation studies carried out to date; (c) test the relationship between some measured impacts and specific PACS features.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Research in Health and Social Care Management, CERGAS-Bocconi University and Public Management and Policy Department, SDA Bocconi School of Management, Via Bocconi 8, 20136 Milano, Italy. luca.buccoliero@unibocconi.it
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Buccoliero
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Calciolari
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marsilio
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mattavelli
mesh_terms: D003195:Computer Communication Networks / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003628:Database Management Systems / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007558:Italy; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends