[Impact of PACS implementation in a university center on radiology practice profile].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the impact of a joint PACS implementation at a university medical center and cancer center on the radiology practice profile. Materials and methods. In 5 radiology sections, patients, selected based on identifiable acute or chronic diseases, underwent US, CT or MRI. Data were collected on datasheets from each provider with regards to clinical history, availability of prior examinations, description of patient management during the different phases of the examination, duration of examinations, and satisfaction. Data obtained prior to PACS implementation and 6-12 months and 30-36 months after implementation were compared.


RESULTS
A total of 1098 datasheets were collected. Hard copy readings rapidly decreased. Comparison with prior examinations improved (+20.6% to 25.6%) as well as frequency of post-processing (+29%). The time required for image management was much more reduced for technologists (-75%) than for physicians (-23%). PACS implementation only temporarily improved the availability of radiology reports and the distribution of work between senior and junior radiologists. User satisfaction, initially high, progressively decreased due to saturation of the archival capabilities.


CONCLUSIONS
PACS implementation in a large university center improves the efficiency of image acquisition but does not solve some of the inefficiencies of hospital organization.
Lefèvre
F
F
Service de Radiologie, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU de Nancy, allée du Morvan, 54511 Vandoeuvre Cedex.
Blum
A
A
Bracard
S
S
Régent
D
D
Stines
J
J
Guillemin
F
F
Felblinger
J
J
Claudon
M
M
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011871:Radiology; D011873:Radiology Information Systems