Title: Evaluation of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS): Viewpoints of radiologists in some teaching hospitals

Abstract

Background: Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is one of the common systems used in hospitals, which is of special importance due to its diagnostic nature. Evaluating this system from the perspective of radiologists as one of its main users can have many benefits for designing future system. In this study, the evaluation of the system was performed based on the viewpoints of radiologists. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted using the census method of radiologists in Al-Zahra and Kashani hospitals in Isfahan. The data collection method was a standard questionnaire including 40 items with 3 options Likert scale. The analysis of the findings was performed using SPSS 21 software. Findings were presented as frequency distribution tables and the research hypothesis was tested using independent sample t-test. Results: The mean age of physicians participating in the study was 34.94 ± 6.57 years. Statistical test showed that there was a significant difference between PACS A and B in terms of potential benefits and challenges of PACS, but no significant difference was observed between the two systems in terms of systems comparison with traditional film-based system. Conclusion: Most users of both systems believe that PACS include many advantages over the traditional system and can have positive potential effects on patients care. However, issues such as slow speeds of system, system lags and disconnection, and inadequate workstations remain concerns.