Innovation process in cancer treatment: The implementation of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) at Brazilian national cancer institute

Abstract

Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) presents an innovation process which radically changes radiology services both inside and outside the hospital setting. Earlier, the usual method for capturing, storing, retrieving, and viewing radiology images was hard copy film. The adoption of a new system frequently comes with challenges. In this article, the employment of PACS by the Brazilian National Cancer Institute was analyzed. Medical images were collected from several imaging equipment, stored and distributed to the physicians. Distinct of the implementation of other clinical information systems, PACS implementation was considered a success; its benefits were significant. The results of this research indicate that process innovation involves governance and group work. Collaboration is one of the major drivers of process innovation in healthcare. Open communication, social relations and networks, and close contacts between innovators are frequently mentioned as indispensable principles for an innovative organization. These practices should prevail across functional and organizational frontiers.