Teleradiology and picture archiving and communications systems: changed pattern of communication between clinicians and radiologists

In a few years all radiology departments in Norwegian hospitals will have a picture archiving and communications system (PACS). This depends on telecommunications with great capacity for transmitting radiology images. The new technology questions the need for daily meetings between radiologists and clinicians, 'clinico-radiological conferences'. Qualitative interviews were performed with 23 resource persons experienced with problems related to PACS and teleradiology. The response rate was 91%. In all, 29% answered that the clinico-radiological conferences could be abolished, 52% replied no and 19% replied both yes and no. The clinico-radiological conferences could be abolished for some clinical departments, but only after consultation between radiology and clinical departments. If the conferences are abolished, clinicians and radiologists may spend more time on treatment and interpretation, with a probable productivity gain.