Web-based distribution of radiological images from PACS to EPR

Medical images are currently created digitally and stored in the radiology department’s picture archiving and communication system (PACS). Reports are usually stored in the electronic patient record (EPR) of other information systems, such as the radiology information system (RIS) or the hospital information system (HIS). But high-quality service can only be provided if the EPR data is integrated with the PACS digital images. The clinician should be able to access both systems’ data in an integrated and consistent way as part of the regular working environment, the HIS or the RIS. Additionally, this system should allow for teleconferences with other users, e.g., for consultations with a specialist in the radiology department. This paper describes a web-based solution that integrates the digital images of the PACS, the EPR/HIS/RIS data and a built-in teleconferencing functionality. The integration has been successfully tested with three different commercial RIS and HIS products. D 2003 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.