Résumé
Objectives: To highlight the challenges faced in implementation of Picture Archiving and Communication System [PACS] in a high volume public sector hospital of a developing country after conducting a survey among health professionals related to PACS
Method: This descriptive observational study was conducted out in the Department of Radiology, Medical Teaching Institute, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from March 2017 to August 2017. Standardized Performa was designed for data collection and distributed among radiologists, emergency physicians and radiology technicians working on PACS and results were analyzed
Results: 92.8% radiologists were more comfortable with reporting on PACS than on films. 100% technicians agreed that PACS has decreased the time taken for the images to reach the referring physicians. 70.8% physicians said that waiting time for radiology reports has reduced by the use of PACS and 62.5% physicians thought that their efficiency has improved by getting reports quickly. 42.8% radiologists and 70% technicians have experienced frequent system errors
Conclusion: Medical imaging implementation in a developing country is an expensive and complex undertaking. Its success is multifactorial and multidisciplinary involving radiologists, physicians and radiology technicians with full backup and support of IT department for training and troubleshooting. In addition, a continuous financial support for up-gradation and maintenance of the technology is a major challenge for government sector hospitals