Improving Work in the Emergency Room
The advent of Picture Archiving and Communication software (PACS) is streamlining workflow in emergency rooms. The ability to transfer images immediately after a patient undergoes an imaging study, particularly CTs and MRIs, decreases the time between assessment and diagnosis.
Before PACS, ER teams had to wait for images to be printed and reviewed by radiologists. PACS allow radiologists to examine images on the computer screen, instead of a lengthy printing process, and transfer findings to the ER staff. As well, PACS enable image manipulation which facilitates documentation of subtle findings. The software includes archiving features, which streamline acquisition and review of imaging studies in the future.
This time saving technology is particularly helpful for teams treating trauma victims, where time poses an immediacy issues. This software can also be utilized to share images with consultants not readily available on site.
Institutions building new emergency facilities are integrating radiology either within the ED or in close proximity to further facilitate efficiency obtaining imaging studies for patients being treated in that setting. PACS assist functioning for other teams outside the emergency setting that rely on imaging study and collaboration with radiologists. Another setting that benefits from PACS is critical care units, where timely review of imaging studies is more critical. See related story in Health Imaging.
From the HospitalBuyer archives:
March 12, 2007 Related topics: New Technology & Innovation, Imaging, Radiology, Emergency