Problems with Implementation of the Radiological Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) in Laboratories of Diagnostic Imaging

The efficiency and improvement of business (organizational) management are closely related concepts. Through the combination of these two elements, it is possible to obtain the highest efficiency of production and labor, improve processes within an organization, and improve the quality of products and services, as well as to achieve a better market position. In order to reach these, various organizational and technological changes should be introduced. The medical services sector is a rapidly growing sector of the economy. Technological advances and the use of modern equipment necessity at the use of the tools by which it will be possible to improve the efficiency and management of medical institutions. The aim of this paper is to explain and discuss the problems with the implementation of modern information systems in diagnostic laboratories, and to show the advantages of these systems in the operation of radiology laboratories. In addition, we have attempted to answer the question whether the introduction of IT systems influences the increase in the efficiency of management of Diagnostic Imaging Departments. A questionnaire survey was conducted among radiologists and X-ray technicians in all the hospitals in Lublin that have implemented RIS and PACS. For the statistical analysis, a total of 169 questionnaires were correctly completed, 88 by electroradiology technicians and 81 by radiologists. The questionnaires for both technicians and physicians comprised 17 open and closed questions and demographic data. The tables and graphs show the benefits to the effectiveness and improvement in management after the introduction of RIS and PACS. Results concerning the reduction of time for tests, for patient registration, and for searching documentation of tests, were the most important for the majority of physicians and technicians surveyed. An additional benefit was a smaller number of mistakes made during patient registration and describing tests in the X-ray laboratory. The only statistically significant result from the data analysis was that the number of errors made during patient registration and in describing tests in the X-ray laboratory was reduced. Among the benefits of the introduction and use of IT systems in the X-ray laboratories was the shortening of testing time, time of registration, time of searching documentation of tests, which was confirmed by statistical surveys. An undoubtful benefit was also a smaller number of mistakes made during patient registration and describing the test in the X-ray laboratory.