|
Wilson Memorial Hospital’s imaging department was mentioned in a recent issue of Health Imaging & IT. The feature article, “Image Demand in the OR” discussed hospitals that have implemented PACS, picture archiving and communication systems, and the benefits to their hospitals. Wilson Memorial Hospital implemented PACS in the late 1990s and was one of the first hospitals in the country to be use this cutting edge technology. Tony Linkmeyer, director of Wilson’s imaging department, said “Most area hospitals now use PACS, but Wilson was an early adopter, getting the system five to seven years before any other area hospital.” When the system was updated recently, new monitors were included in each operating room. All patient monitoring systems, including PACS in the operating rooms, are now suspended above the patient. This allows additional floor space in the imaging areas as well as providing image and data access to each room for physicians, nurses and other clinical staff. Linkmeyer adds “this process allows physicians access to images anytime, anywhere. A consult now does not require them to walk to radiology since it’s just a call away. Physicians have also commented how PACS removes the need to get films sent to their offices. It is a big time saver.” Facilities are implementing PACS in order to accommodate many needs for their surgeons. Access to images in the operating room are becoming increasingly important in order to give surgeons the ability to conduct more precise, image-guided procedures. New advanced software applications also play an important role in PACS. Linkmeyer predicts that, more and more, users will need large, digital images that can be quickly moved to the OR suite. "We'll need the ability to get doctors access to larger images and more complex exams along with 3D mapping software for planning surgery." PACS has three major advantages over traditional imaging. One of the benefits is that it replaces hard copy images providing a space and cost advantage over film archives. It also allows practitioners at different locations to access the same information simultaneously. PACS can also provide tele-education by being able to provide off-site viewing and reporting. Most PACS are able to handle images from multiple medical imaging instruments including ultrasound and mammograms. To view the entire article online, visit www.healthimaging.com.
|
