Perceptions of PACS

Picture archiving and communications systems (PACS) will impact the function of both the radiologist and the clinician. This study has assessed the opinions of 18 radiologists and 17 clinicians as to potential effects of PACS systems. All participants claimed familiarity with PACS and read a standardized description of a PACS system. The major PACS benefit perceived by all groups was improved access to images. Neither group perceived that PACS would improve radiologic diagnosis or patient treatment. The enormous fiscal expenditures necessary to operate a full PACS system must be accompanied by education on benefits of the system before implementation will be obtained