Acceptance analysis of a digital picture distribution in a filmless university hospital

Purpose: A prospective evaluation before and after the introduction of PACS should evaluate the level of acceptance by the referring physicians and indicate possible weaknesses. Materials and Methods: In a hospital with 816 beds, questionnaires were sent to all referring physicians before and after the introduction of PACS to inquire how the physicians deal with radiological images. Results: Without PACS, 62% of the referring physicians spent up to one hour per day searching for radiological images. With PACS, 52% needed less time to find the correct images. 63% believe that the radiological image demonstration is more informative due to PACS. The possibility to view radiological images was criticized by 29% of the referring physicians at the ambulatory units and 34% at the wards. Before PACS, the service of the department of radiology was considered to be very good by 20% of the physicians. After PACS, this value increased to 31%. 93% of the physicians questioned would recommend the introduction of PACS to other hospitals. Conclusion: Digital image distribution that takes into account the demands of referring physicians can achieve high acceptance and improve workflow. The quality of the computer monitors in the operating rooms, wards and ambulatory units should be improved.