Imacs And Radiology: Defining The Problems

Abstract

Knowledge of how radiology relates to general medicine is vital to understanding both the problems that Image Management and Communication Systems (IMAcs) may solve and those that IMACS may create. For such understanding, one must also know something of the pressures for change that bear universally upon the current form of health care delivery. To simplify problem study, this paper will first examine the present; second, the coming period of change; and finally, the future. Current problems will be illustrated and examined in terms of processes tending to undermine stability. The issue of problems created by solutions and solution processes will be discussed. Finally, the prospect that IMACS may contribute to a shift of paradigm for medical practice will be raised.