Implementation of a radiology information system/picture archiving and communication system and an image transfer system at a large public teaching hospital — assessment of success of adoption by clinicians

Abstract

In 2001 a radiology information system/picture archiving and communication system (RIS/PACS) was installed at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) in Brisbane, with electronic image transfer links to other major hospitals in Queensland. An assessment study is being performed of the effect of the ready availability of radiology results on clinicians, clinical decision making and the time taken to treat patients. A series of structured interviews with senior clinicians at the PAH began in July 2002. Administrative data are being collected from the PAH computer system. Preliminary results from the first six months of the study suggest that the introduction of the RIS/PACS at the PAH has been well received by senior clinicians and has been helpful in clinical decision making. Patient management has been improved and the time taken to arrive at clinical decisions has been reduced, particularly in neurosurgery. The RIS/PACS has significantly improved access to imaging resources for teaching, owing to the ability to retrieve reference images and to project high-quality images during teaching sessions. However, the introduction of the RIS/PACS has not reduced patient length of stay.

Does improved access to diagnostic imaging results reduce hospital length of stay? A retrospective study

“…The current study did not reveal a corresponding significant reduction in LOS (Table 1). This finding is similar to those reported by others [2,14,15]. …”

Learning strategies in the planning and evaluation phase of image production

“…This shift relates to the technology development and to new routines in practice. Crowe and Sim (2004) have studied the effect of the ready availability of radiology results on clinicians, clinical decision making and the time taken to treat patients at a large teaching hospital in Brisbane. This study showed that the introduction of RIS/PACS has been well received by senior clinicians and it has been helpful in clinical decision making.…”

Use your good judgement – Radiographers’ knowledge in image production work

“…Radiographers then saw a great potential in the introduction of new routines using PACS. Crowe and Sim (2004) have studied the effect of the ready availability of radiology results on clinicians, clinical decision making and the time taken to treat patients at a large teaching hospital in Brisbane. This study showed that the introduction of RIS/PACS has been well received by senior clinicians and it has been helpful in clinical decision making.…”

“…Ethnographic research method has become useful in understanding the organization of health care (Barley, 1986;Crowe & Sim, 2004;Karasti, 1998;2000& Smith et al 2003. The method can provide a nuanced understanding of an organization and allow comparison between what people say and what they do.…”