Evolutionistic or revolutionary paths? A PACS maturity model for strategic situational planning.
OBJECTIVE
While many hospitals are re-evaluating their current Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), few have a mature strategy for PACS deployment. Furthermore, strategies for implementation, strategic and situational planning methods for the evolution of PACS maturity are scarce in the scientific literature. Consequently, in this paper we propose a strategic planning method for PACS deployment. This method builds upon a PACS maturity model (PMM), based on the elaboration of the strategic alignment concept and the maturity growth path concept previously developed in the PACS domain.


METHODS
First, we review the literature on strategic planning for information systems and information technology and PACS maturity. Secondly, the PMM is extended by applying four different strategic perspectives of the Strategic Alignment Framework whereupon two types of growth paths (evolutionistic and revolutionary) are applied that focus on a roadmap for PMM. This roadmap builds a path to get from one level of maturity and evolve to the next.


RESULTS
An extended method for PACS strategic planning is developed. This method defines eight distinctive strategies for PACS strategic situational planning that allow decision-makers in hospitals to decide which approach best suits their hospitals' current situation and future ambition and what in principle is needed to evolve through the different maturity levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The proposed method allows hospitals to strategically plan for PACS maturation. It is situational in that the required investments and activities depend on the alignment between the hospital strategy and the selected growth path. The inclusion of both strategic alignment and maturity growth path concepts make the planning method rigorous, and provide a framework for further empirical research and clinical practice.
van de Wetering
Rogier
R
Department of Information and Computing Sciences, Utrecht University, The Netherlands. r.vandewetering@cs.uu.nl
Batenburg
Ronald
R
Lederman
Reeva
R
D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013673:Technology Assessment, Biomedical