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After this short survey, conclusions could be: 1) The SICOMORE code is in a nearly definitive state; further efforts towards efficiency and computer time savings are clearly in the diminishing returns phase. 2) Efforts have been rewarded : for the same problem, a comparison of the figures of merit in 1980 (CDC 7600) and 1985 (CRAY-1 S) reveals an advantage of about 20 in favour of the vectorized version. 3) The missing links between the present state and a future ideal version of SICOMORE are certainly to be looked for among

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a switch to a filmless image management system on the time required for technologists to produce radiographic images in the emergency department (ED) after controlling for exam difficulty and a variable workload. Time and motion data were collected on patients who had radiographic images taken while being treated in the emergency department over the 3½-year period from April 1997 to November 2000. Event times and demographic data were obtained from the radiology information system, from the hospital information system, from emergency department records, or by observation by research coordinators. Multiple least squares regression analysis identified several independent predictors of the time required for technologists to produce radiographic images. These variables included the level of technologist experience, the number of trauma-alert patient arrivals, and whether a filmless image management system was used (all P

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of filmless imaging on the frequency with which physicians access radiology images and to assess clinician perception of image accessibility using a hospital-wide Picture Archival and Communication System (PACS). Quantitative data were collected at the Baltimore VA Medical Center (BVAMC), prior to and after conversion to filmless imaging, to determine the frequency with which clinicians access radiology images. Survey data were also collected to assess physician preferences of image accessibility, time management, and overall patient care when comparing filmless and film-based modes of operation. In general, there was a significant increase in the average number of radiology images reviewed by clinicians throughout the hospital. However, the one are in the hospital where this trend was not observed was in the intensive care unit (ICU), where the frequency of image assess was similar between film and filmless operations. Ninety-eight percent of clinicians surveyed reported improved accessibility of images in a filmless environment resulting in improved time management. The mean clinician estimate of time saved due to the use of PACS was 44 minutes. The study documented a combination of clinician perception of improved accessibility and substantial time savings with the use of a hospital-wide PACS, which was supported by objective measurements. The increased frequency of image review by clinicians and rapid image access should provide a further impetus to radiologists to decrease report turnaround time to provided "added value" for patient care.