Transitioning process of a film-based radiology department to direct digital imaging

The initial transition of the Radiology Department at Madigan Army Medical Center, the Wright Patterson Air Force Medical Center and the Brooke Army Medical Center from film- based operations to direct digital image capture and display has been completed. This presentation describes the planning process and the impact of the transition on radiology operations and clinical services. PACS implementation requires changes in both the physical plant and the human element of the Radiology departments as well as in the clinical areas where imaging workstations were installed. Equipment retrofit, utility upgrades, space trade- offs, quality control operations, work flow variations, and educational requirements were major considerations. An overview of the scope of departmental transitions is achieved.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.