Picture archiving and communication systems.

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are highly versatile data storage and retrieval systems that facilitate the transfer of digital images and patient data throughout a healthcare enterprise. Typically, they process images from diagnostic imaging modalities and are interfaced to radiology information systems (RISs) and hospital information systems (HISs) to improve overall workflow. For this Evaluation, we tested six PACS from six suppliers. Ideally, a PACS should allow the healthcare facility to achieve a fully automated workflow, in which patient image data is shared seamlessly from one system to another within a single electronic medical record (EMR). Although our testing found that this ideal has not yet been completely realized, many of the evaluated systems have taken significant steps in that direction. This Evaluation was limited to radiology PACS; however, more and more facilities are considering single PACS solutions to cover the needs of all their imaging departments.