PACS Workstations Successfully Compete With Dedicated 3D Workstations
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There is a common misconception that dedicated 3D Workstations are required for successful interpretation of advanced imaging results. However, the annual “Workstation Faceoff,” part of the International Symposium on Multidetector-Row CT, proved otherwise.
Radiologist Michalle Soudack presenting cases at the Workstation Faceoff. Image courtesy of HealthTech Wire
The Workstation Faceoff, held on Tuesday in San Francisco, requires radiologists to present four CT studies – musculoskeletal, brain CTA, vascular and liver – in a total of 13 minutes. Radiologist Michalle Soudack, M.D., Head of Pediatric Radiology at the Safra Children’s Hospital, used the CARESTREAM Vue PACS to diagnose alongside other vendors’ highly specialized 3D workstations. Soudack’s performance highlighted the benefits of a single-solution PACS workstation for the interpretation of CT exams.
Workflow efficiency is key to the success of radiology, and is the primary reason why using a PACS workstation with embedded 3D tools proves superior results. The integration means that the radiologist doesn’t need to switch workstations to interpret complex CT studies. During the Faceoff this meant that Dr. Soudack was able to successfully complete all cases in the allotted time frame, which was not the case for some dedicated workstations. However, in the clinical environment this eliminates the need to acclimate to different user interfaces, remember different log ins or learn different tools – meaning both a lower total cost of ownership and greater productivity.
How is your facility currently approaching 3D studies?
Chelsea Lee
Already there is an increase in deployment of PACS technology in various hospitals all around the globe. However, with the improvement in technology is bringing down the cost and offering greater productivity with quality service in health care institutions, which is good sign.