Picture Archiving and Communication System Introduced to a New Japanese Cancer Center Hospital

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) have been widely introduced as a credible alternative to the traditional film-based radiological service. Shizuoka Cancer Center Hospital (SCCH) introduced PACS and hospital information systems as an alternative to the film- and traditional paper-based hospital system at the opening of the hospital. Using PACS, whole images and their reports can be available at any nearby terminal. Users can select the display format for monitor viewing on the bases of individual preference and navigate through cases by buttons and rollerballs on the mouse with easy handling and quick response. Most clinicians in SCCH evaluated such medical circumstances well. Filmless image management systems will become popular in all hospitals in the near feature. All staff in each hospital should investigate the merits and demerits of this system and how to introduce it effectively.