Digital Workflow, PACS, and Telemammography

Abstract

The transition from a film-based to a completely digital organization cannot be accomplished by merely replacing individual components. In contrast, the whole flow of operations needs reengineering. This affects not only the way individual physicians or radiographers interact with workstations or imaging modalities, but also the overall process of medical cooperation. The individual components of PACS, RIS, and other information systems must be integrated to a higher degree than one may expect. This requires new strategic decisions regarding the deployment of information systems and regarding the relationship of the radiology department to the technology infrastructure. Information technology opens up completely new applications such as telemammography. Merely introducing technology will not provide the expected results, as concepts and technology fundamentally depend on the organization of telecooperation.