Performance Evaluation of a Clinical PACS Module

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are now clinically available in limited radiologic applications. The benefits, acceptability, and reliablity of these systems have thus far been mainly speculative and anecdotal. This paper discusses the evaluation of a PACS module implemented in the pediatric radiology section of a 700-bed teaching hospital. The PACS manages all pediatric inpatient images including conventional x-rays and contrast studies (obtained with a computed radiography system), magnetic resonance images, and relevant ultrasound images. A six-monitor workstation is available for image review.