Impact of picture archiving and communication system (PACS) on radiology staff

Background: Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), a necessary asset in modern hospitals, has proven its crucial status in the radiology department for archiving and fetching medical images followed by their integration with the radiology information system (RIS). Although PACS has proven its worth technically, this study assesses its impact on its end users. The purpose of this study is to measure the level of PACS's impact on its users in a hospital facility in Saudi Arabia. Methods: The cross-sectional quantitative study is designed using the survey approach as a method of data collection. All PACS active users at the radiology department are considered as the target population. Out of the 160 distributed questionnaires, 100were returned with complete answers, having a response rate of 62.5%. The questionnaire was developed to examine PACS impact from users’ perspective on five inter-related variables, i.e., external communication, service outcomes, personal intentions, personal hassles, and increased blame. The study was conducted at the KAMC-National Guard radiology department in Riyadh. Results: The study results showed that PACS has a positive impact on its users. In addition, it showed a significant relationship between the number of user characteristics and five inter-related variables, i.e., external communication, service outcomes, personal intentions, personal hassles, and increased blame. Conclusion: Users have shown a positive insight towards the PACS for its impacts on their daily work. The findings of this study can greatly contribute to assist the radiology department and help them understand the user's perception on PACS. Nevertheless, the study showed a positive impact, i.e., an indication of the status and insight of PACS users having a high perception rate towards PACS, which promises more future advancement in its usage. Users have shown a positive insight towards the PACS for its impacts on their daily work. The findings of this study can greatly contribute to assist the radiology department and help them understand the user's perception on PACS. Nevertheless, the study showed a positive impact, i.e., an indication of the status and insight of PACS users having a high perception rate towards PACS, which promises more future advancement in its usage.