Practical considerations for picture archiving and communications systems over the enterprise network

Abstract

Development of the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standards and increased compliance by the manufacturers with industry standard communication protocols have resulted in picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) capable of riding on a hospitals computer network. However, few hospital networks can accommodate the immense traffic load presented by a PACS system. Some tips about the real-life challenges of implementing a PACS on a hospital computer network are presented. It includes strategies for planning and achieving long-term solutions to the issues that inevitably arise.