Medical Image Communications System: Expansion From A Prototype At The University Of North Carolina

Abstract A prototype electronic picture information and communication system (PACS) should provide a means to gain practical experience in the use of video communications within a medical center, as well as provide a mechanism to accommodate sophisticated video applications in conjunction with clinical procedures. Such a system under current development at The University of North Carolina, will be described. Installation of the system will initially be within the confines of the radiology area; however it will be expanded to include other medical center locations once an appropriate system has been fully developed and verified.Dr. Edward Staab, presented an overview, describing radiology departmental PACS philosophy and program development. This report will expound upon the development of the prototype PACS to include conceptual approaches for a departmental design technique, communications network development, and test programs and project progress to-date.IntroductionThe University of North Carolina, prototype PACS project has as its initial objective the evaluation of PACS system configurations and components in a clinical environment. This system is being implemented within the North Carolina Memorial Hospital, Radiology Department. Individual PACS modules, including reading stations, picture storage devices, and picture processors are being established and are to be evaluated within a clinical environment. PACS operational parameters are to be evaluated as to their acceptability in 'supporting each individual medical imaging modality. While this approach will provide immediate clinical benefits, initially the main thrust is on evaluation and flexible modification. The system will provide objective operational data as a basis for planning system improvements. Expansion of the prototype PACS can be accomplished by the addition of PACS modules within each department section, as well as providing remote displays within appropriate areas.Over the next decade, we hope to create a PACS, which will provide the following operational capabilities:rapid access to imagesrapid access to data from non-imaging studiesrapid intercomparison of images from different modalitiesdecreased radiation dosage to patients and personnelsavings in space, equipment and personnelreduced procedure timeimproved communications in a distributed departmentremote image consultationThe following will discuss three major issues in the design of a system that can achieve these capabilities by successive evaluation and modification: "(1) Radiology physical plant design, (2) a broad band picture information communications network, and (3) implementation of PACS test programs."Radiology physical plant designPACS systems will change the physical constraints on a radiology department. Presently these constraints include:Radiology examination rooms and support areas must be nearby to enable handling, processing and examination of patients (patient throughput).X-ray film reading areas should be arranged for direct access to examination rooms, yet should provide for physical access to other reading areas for communications among radiologists and with outside clinical housestaff.