Views of Users Towards the Quality of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in a Developing Country

PACS as a medical imaging technology is an information system that provides quick and convenient access to the medical images, as well as the quick and easy exchange of images and electronic reports among specialists in different departments. The objective of the study was to evaluate the PACS from the point of view of users in hospitals affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. The study population consisted of the PACS' users (radiologists and the radiology technologists) in the radiology departments (103 staff). Data were collected through a questionnaire that was designed based on previous studies and published literature. From the views of users, quality of information of PACS had the highest average (Mean = 3.57±1.02), while quality of services had the lowest average (Mean = 2.99±0.19). About the quality of information, the highest and lowest averages were dedicated to information security (Mean = 4±0.69) and quality of pictures (Mean = 3.28±0.87), respectively. Generally, the findings of study indicate that there are problems in different parts of PACS quality in Iran and according to the high cost of purchasing, implementation, maintenance, and updating the PACS in hospitals, proper selection and use of software and hardware as well as proper maintenance of the system may lead to not only return on investment but also provision of telemedicine.