Work flow redesign: the key to success when using PACS. 2002

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. Our objective is to emphasize the importance of work flow redesign, rather than filmless operation itself, to achieve cost reduction and improvement in productivity with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). CONCLUSION. Our 8-year experience with PACS shows that the greatest benefit of the transition to a digital system has been the ability to use it as a tool to reengineer overall work flow, both in the imaging department and throughout the health care enterprise.

Figure 1

Flow chart for ordering, acquisition, reporting, and review of inpatient chest radiograph using conventional film-based radiography system shows 59 steps involving 11 hospital staff members.

Figure 2

Redesigned flow chart for ordering, acquisition, reporting, and review of inpatient chest radiograph using picture archiving and communication system (PACS) shows 50 fewer steps by seven fewer staff members when compared with conventional film-based radiography system.