PACS

Question 1

WHAT IS PACS?

Answer 1

Picture Archiving and Communication System

Allows images to be stored and shared electronically

Question 2

WHAT ARW THE LONG TERM AIMS OF PACS?

Answer 2

To provide 24/7 access to patient images

To be compatible with other NHS healthcare services

To be linked with NHS care records service

Support delivery of the 18 week target

Question 3

WHAT ARW THE ADVANTAGES OF DIGITAL ARCHIVING?

Answer 3

No long term data loss

Data can be recalled if physical images go missing

Image manipulation

Multiple viewing environments

Preserve original data

Question 4

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF STORAGE MEDIA?

Answer 4

Magnetic systems - Hard Disc

Optical Disc - CD-ROM/DVD

Magneto-optical disc systems
Rare and not fast enough for the lord erm workflow

Solid state devices
Expensive

Question 5

WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATIONS OF DIGITAL ARCHIVING?

Answer 5

Capacity 
Cost
Durability 
Location of storage 
Storage format 
Compression of original data 
Quality of image review 
Security

Question 6

WHY SHOULD WE USE PACS?

Answer 6

Saves money - No need to pay for film

Improves the diagnostic process

Future of health information is digital

Images available in multiple locations

Greater manipulation of data

Question 7

WHAT IS DICOM

Answer 7

Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine

Language and set of standards used to describe file format

Used by all manufacturers

Question 8

WHAT DATA PROTECTION MEASURES ARE USED WITHIN PACS?

Answer 8

Password protected

Mirror sites ensure data is backed up

Each professional is responsible for the confidential viewing of data

Computer Misuse Act 1990
Access to Health Records Act 1990
Data Protection Act 1998
Human Rights Act 1998
Health and Social Care Act 2001