Risks of picture archiving and communication systems

Abstract

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and their associated digital technologies, have revolutionized the provision of radiological healthcare in the UK over the last ten years. Imaging has become almost completely electronic and paperless as a consequence, resulting in numerous very substantial patient benefits. Many of the associated risks differ from those which existed when radiological imaging was analogue and film-based, and can potentially occur at many stages of the PACS pathway, ranging from the initial PACS tender document and contract, to the system network, hardware and software, and their maintenance. A comprehensive awareness of the potential risks associated with the whole process of digital imaging enables safeguards to be put in place effectively to guard against any risks which might be harmful to patient care. It is important also to heighten public understanding of what the real risks of PACS are, and the precautions taken to prevent them, so that unfounded fears of digital technology are not falsely given credence, when the benefits of PACS are now central to the whole of efficient modern medicine and surgery.