Improvement in radiographic quality workflow due to use of digital imaging and picture archiving and communication system

ABSTRACT

Background: PACS (Picture archiving and communication systems) and digital imaging (DI) has revolutionized radiology bringing about a paradigm shift in the way radiodiagnosis is perceived and practiced with a slew of benefits like elimination of the need for manual handling of films, helping in long term storage of digital images, easy transfer and retrieval of radiographic images. The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of PACS and digital imaging on the workflow in the radiology, performance of the radiographer and image storage and retrieval capabilities.Methods: It was a questionnaire-based study in which questions were asked to the radiographers working in our hospital at five different working sites. Each questionnaire was aimed to evaluate the effect of digital imaging on radiology workflow, improvement in the performance of radiographers, reduction in the work-related frustration levels due to use of digital imaging and finally the utility of digital imaging in image storage, query and retrieval.Results: Among the 50 questionnaires 41 were completed and retrieved. Among the respondents, 90.24% indicated that digital imaging has obviated the need for repeat examinations, 95.12% agreed with the fact that it resulted in the reduction of the number of reject images, 95.1% said it helped them in improving their performances, 92.6% of the respondents said they did not face any issue with its use and 95.1% of the participants agreed that the image query and retrieval could be accomplished in a hassle-free manner.Conclusions: The digital imaging technique not only improves the performance of the radiographers but also increases the workflow of the health care hospitals or clinics. The digital imaging reduces the number of rejected images thus reducing radiation exposure to the patients. Further, it is highly cost-effective and time-saving.