An automated PACS workstation interface: a timesaving enhancement.

Abstract

Interface design is a key element in the efficient use of a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) workstation. In many cases, multiple mouse clicks or keyboard commands are required to open and close a case, to mark it as complete, and to retrieve and allocate screen positions to the next case. We evaluated the work flow effect of software designed for automated image display in which all of these operations are consolidated in a single mouse click. Automated image display increases efficiency in image interpretation and remedies the normally cluttered presentation environment. At our institution, acceptance of automated image display has been overwhelmingly positive. In fact, automated image display has improved radiologist productivity.