title: Introduction to digital medical image management: departmental concerns.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the considerations that are faced when a film-based imaging department transitions to a filmless practice. Both departmental and enterprise issues will be discussed in the context of a single geographically confined campus.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A successful transition to a filmless practice results from applying imaging informatics principles and using established standard, appropriate change management practices, all coordinated by a team of representative stakeholders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. langer.steve@mayo.edu
authors.forename: Steve G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramthun
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bender
mesh_terms: D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D006801:Humans; D008491:Medical Informatics Applications; D010934:Planning Techniques; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011872:Radiology Department, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011873:Radiology Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration*; D018511:Systems Integration; D014481:United States; D014962:X-Ray Film