Design of a medical image management system: a practical cost-effective approach.

The impact of technology and economics is driving radiology departments into a digital era. There have been significant developments in the design of Medical Image Management System components. However, many important design criteria have been neglected, leading to an ineffective end product. This paper will discuss the more important design criteria. The design will be considered from the user's point of view. The implementation of a prototype Medical Image Management System (MIMS) serving a Medical Intensive Care Unit in our Institution will be presented. The structure and very preliminary results of a clinical evaluation will be discussed. Plans to expand the MIMS beyond the Department and the Hospital will also be briefly discussed. The role of the personal computer in the design of a MIMS will be reviewed.