M4 L1 - Intro to PACS

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems

What are the 2 names for PACS

PACS - picture archiving and communication system (most common term in MB)

MIMPS - medical image management and processing system

What system components does PACS encompass?

all components used to house, transfer, and manipulate the images connected through a network

• image acquisition

• display work stations

• archive servers

What system components does MIMPS encompass?

same components as PACS except for display and storage

How does PACS serve as a solution to emerging problems with image management?

• accommodates increase in image creation (ex. CT and MRI create multiple images)

• aids to increase image accessibility

What systems are integrated with PACS?

HIS and RIS

What are some examples of functions performed by RIS?

• PT registration

• exam scheduling

• image archiving

• report generation

• department statistics

How does RIS/PACS improve privacy and support PHIA?

• improves privacy with password entry

• supports PHIA by tracking who logged in to see images

What are most facilities in MB implementing?

Agfa RIS/PACS

What system does Brandon and Dauphin use?

Siemens RIS/PACS

What 3 views is RIS made up of?

• QPlanner - for scheduling

• Qdoc - used by all DI staff and shows work list

• PT viewer

What is an accession number?

UID for Qdoc — created once the PT has been entered or arrived in Qdoc

PT’s requiring multiple exams will have a different accession number for each exam

Define workflow

the process required to complete a job

Outline a PACS-based workflow

• order entry

• exam performed

• image processed

• image interpreted (by radiologist)

• transcribed report

What element is paramount amongst PACS/RIS/HIS?

network security

What is one major security feature used by PACS/HIS/RIS?

firewall

What does privacy refer to?

ensures only authorized persons have access to the information

What does authentication refer to?

ensures that the sender and receiver can verify the identity of each other

What does integrity refer to?

ensuring the information received has not been altered, either deliberately or accidentally