The impact of PACS

Radiologists diversify into new fields

Sweden - PACS is pushing radiologists towards increasing specialisation, according to a new study - among the first to examine the impact of PACS on radiologists' careers - published in the Journal of Digital Imaging (27/12/2006).

Dr Kent Fridell, Karolinska Institute
Dr Kent Fridell, Karolinska Institute

Sweden - PACS is pushing radiologists towards increasing specialisation, according to a new study - among the first to examine the impact of PACS on radiologists’ careers – published in the Journal of Digital Imaging (27/12/2006). Dr Kent Fridell, of the clinical science, intervention and technology department at the Karolinska Institute, said the study is ‘…unique in both timing and scope’ and, he added: ‘The consequences to radiologists of introducing distributed radiology have shown that when analogue films are replaced with digital images viewed on a computer, radiologists’ diagnostic practice also changes.’

In the study, work practice is defined as professional role, diagnostic practice, and technology in use. Dr Fridell found that, following the introduction of a PACS, radiologists tend to shift from a position of individual professional expertise to that of an actor in a network. ‘As the flow of images takes new routes, new relationships are created between actors in the network,’ he said. Prior to the advent of PACS, clinicians would meet with the experts – the radiologists - in clinical meetings, for example. But PACS has given clinicians access to images and, with this, their ability to read them improves, which in turn tends to turn the radiologist into a consultant.

Additionally, since digital imaging developed, reading X-rays has become more technical. ‘Suddenly, radiologists’ training shifts to greater exposure to technology courses rather than interpretive diagnostic techniques,’ said Dr Fridell.  

Initially, the increase in the technology focus can cause insecurity, as radiologists worry that their reading skills will become lower. However, the technology also provides superior ability to illustrate anatomic details using new digital techniques such as 3-D reconstruction, opening the door to specialisation.

For example, to help the neurosurgeon, the vestibulocochlear nerve could be imaged in full length by the radiologist. ‘In this way, the radiologist has become a new and important advisor in discussions with the neurosurgeon,’ Dr Fridell pointed out. This change in working practice makes radiology more specialised and creates new subspecialty opportunities, he added.

08.03.2007

More on the subject:

Related articles

Photo

News • Imaging consistency and reliability

Harmonizing MRIs across different institutions

MRI is an essential tool for clinicians, but the variability of image acquisition protocols is a challenge for achieving consistent and reliable interpretation. A new study intends to fix this issue.

Photo

Article • Spanish registry offers unprecedented data

ROSSETTI: Towards a more personalized treatment of stroke

The boom in interventional radiology procedures has enabled great strides in ischemic stroke management. But while a myriad of techniques are available, the challenge remains in choosing the most…

Photo

News • Self-diagnosis survey

Health data: monitored by many, shared by few

A survey found that many Americans use a device to monitor their heart, but few share that data with their doctor. Cardiologists explain when findings should be discussed with a medical professional.

Related products

Subscribe to Newsletter