Evaluating latest developments in PACS and their impact on radiology practices: A systematic literature review

- PACS employs internet as a means for systematizing, archiving, retrieving, distributing, and transferring images to different healthcare centres.
- PACS is a cost-effective technology as it reduces the expenditure related to film, chemicals, film processors, physical storage space, and the man power needed in traditional film based environments.
- Numerous developments in PACS has helped the clinicians in improving the radiology practises.

AimThe present systematic review was conducted to analyze the empirical literature examining various features of current picture archiving and communication system (PACS) as well as to evaluate the impact of the most recent developments in PACS on radiology practices.MethodsA systematic review of English-literature published between 1st January 2004 and 31st December 2015 on qualitative evaluation of characteristics of latest PACS and their effect on radiological practices was done by searching six online databases i.e. Springer Link, Scopus, Science Direct, CINAHL Plus, Google Scholar and Pubmed using the keywords. Study outcomes, technological advancements and effect on radiologist were extracted and summarized from each study.ResultsFinally 17 articles from different regions of the world were included in the review. Of them, 5 articles investigated the users acceptance of the PACS, 5 studies measured the compliance level of various PACS features, 3 studies assessed the present and future of tele-radiology, 2 studies evaluated the effect of PACS on the work practice of radiologist, 1 research focused on examining PACS success model and 1 article investigated the PACS maturity framework.ConclusionAdvent of PACS has revolutionized the radiological practices, however there are evidences for further improvements to make the next-gen PACS more user friendly and with enhanced functionality.

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