Radiology Information System
The Radiology Information System is to Radiology as Laboratory is to the Laboratory Information System. It is frequently bundled with the Hospital Information System (HIS). The advent of client/server computing, high-capacity networks, digital imaging, as well as DICOM and HL7 standards have facilitate the integration of Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) and RIS as the logical imaging management system. [1]
The RIS drives the information workflow of the Radiology Department, and provides essential information securely so that the PACS can perform its role.
The components of a Radiology Department will generally include: [1]
1. Radiology Information System (RIS)
2. Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS)
3. PACS Broker
4. Diagnostic Workstations
5. Access to Radiology Studies/Reports
The Radiology Information System integrates into one system a number of functions that have traditionally been performed by multiple individuals and multiple systems. Below is a list of some of the more common features of a RIS: [2,3]
Patient Management
Reception Desk
Scheduling (manual or via HIS)
Capture Patient Demographics
Capture Relevant Clinical Information
Procedure-specific Patient Instructions
Document Scanning
Track Exam Status
Procedure, Diagnosis & Reporting
Technologist Worklist
Modality Worklist
Radiologist Worklist
Prepare Comparison Studies
Dictation, Template or Speech-To-Text
Results Reporting
Billing
Report Distribution (Fax, secure E-mail, Portal, EHR)
Information Management
IT System Integration
Information Management
Inventory Management
Practice Analytics
As with most HIS, crucial initial workflow reengineering can be disruptive to the overall departmental operations. However, the short-term sacrifice results in long-term improvements in efficiency and resource utilization.
References:
[1] Branstetter, Barton. Practical Imaging Informatics. Foundations and Applications for PACS Professionals. Springer, 2009.
[2] Pianykh, Oleg. Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM): A Practical Introduction and Survival Guide. Springer, 2008.
[3] Dreyer, Keith. Hirschorn, David. Thrall, James. Mehta, Amit. PACS: A Guide to The Digital Revolution. Second Edition. Springer, 2006.
Submitted by Darin Brannan
