State of Integration Between PACS and Other IT Systems: A National Survey of Academic Radiology Departments

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the state of integration between PACS and other IT systems relevant to radiologists' routine work across US academic radiology departments (ARDs). The results were intended to assess readiness for the ongoing transition to value-based health care by providing insights into currently challenging areas of integration but also areas associated with high levels of anticipated workflow efficiency improvements.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using an online survey approved by the Society of Chairs of Academic Radiology Departments and sent to its members. Collected responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact tests.

Results: The response rate was 26% (34 of 132 members), and the respondents covered a large spectrum of ARDs considering location, size aspects, year of PACS introduction, and filmless production. Most notable findings included widespread high-level integration of PACS with dictation systems (>90%), low penetration of integration between PACS and critical notification systems (15%), and an overall better integration of PACS and radiology information systems (82%) than of PACS and electronic medical records (47%).

Conclusions: Integration supporting radiologists' personal productivity is well spread among US ARDs, but as we transition into a value-based health care delivery model, there is a need to focus further integration efforts on systems with the greatest potential to document value in a patient-centric setting. Examples of such focus areas include integration of PACS and electronic medical records, adoption of vendor-neutral archives, and the use of workflow management systems.

Keywords: EMR; Integration; PACS; RIS; academic radiology.