A narrative review of the benefits of RIS/PACS and its integration into the radiology departments of low and middle-income countries

IF 2.8 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Radiography Pub Date : 2025-10-01 DOI:10.1016/j.radi.2025.103185

M. Hanna , J. Brabin , K. Spuur , R. Keshwan , M. Chau

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objectives

Radiology has been transformed by technological advancements, such as Radiology Information Systems (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). These systems have been shown to improve radiographer workflow efficiency and patient care. However, implementing RIS/PACS in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) presents unique challenges due to financial, infrastructural, and resource limitations, leading to disparities in health outcomes compared to high-income countries (HICs). This review focuses on the benefits of RIS/PACS and its impact on radiographer workflow efficiency; exploring the challenges of RIS/PACS implementation and identifying cost-effective alternatives integrated in LMIC radiology departments.

Key findings

Integration of RIS/PACS has demonstrated significant workflow benefits, including reduced examination steps, decreased errors, and improved productivity. However, barriers such as inadequate infrastructure, unreliable power supply, limited information technology (IT) expertise, and financial constraints hinder the successful implementation in LMICs. Potential cost-effective alternatives, such as open-source PACS solutions were successfully adopted in some LMICs.

Conclusion

There are clear benefits for RIS/PACS integration, including optimising workflow and increased efficiency alongside financial benefits. However, implementation within LMIC requires overcoming substantial local challenges.

Implications for practice

Future research should focus on context-specific strategies to facilitate RIS/PACS adoption and explore alternative solutions tailored to the needs of LMICs, where radiology services remain underdeveloped.

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RIS/PACS的益处及其与中低收入国家放射科整合的叙述性回顾

目的随着放射信息系统（RIS）和图像存档与通信系统（PACS）等技术的进步，放射学已经发生了巨大的变化。这些系统已被证明可以提高放射技师的工作效率和病人护理。然而，由于财政、基础设施和资源限制，在中低收入国家（LMICs）实施RIS/PACS面临着独特的挑战，导致健康结果与高收入国家（HICs）相比存在差异。本文综述了RIS/PACS的优点及其对放射技师工作效率的影响；探索RIS/PACS实施的挑战，并确定在LMIC放射科集成的具有成本效益的替代方案。主要发现RIS/PACS的集成已经证明了显著的工作流程优势，包括减少检查步骤、减少错误和提高生产率。然而，基础设施不足、电力供应不可靠、信息技术（IT）专业知识有限以及资金限制等障碍阻碍了在中低收入国家成功实施。一些中低收入国家成功地采用了可能具有成本效益的替代方案，如开源PACS解决方案。RIS/PACS集成有明显的好处，包括优化工作流程和提高效率以及经济效益。然而，在低收入和中等收入国家内部实施需要克服大量的当地挑战。对实践的影响未来的研究应侧重于具体情况的策略，以促进RIS/PACS的采用，并探索适合放射学服务仍然不发达的低收入国家需求的替代解决方案。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Radiography RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

34.60%

发文量

169

审稿时长

63 days

期刊介绍： Radiography is an International, English language, peer-reviewed journal of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. Radiography is the official professional journal of the College of Radiographers and is published quarterly. Radiography aims to publish the highest quality material, both clinical and scientific, on all aspects of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy and oncology.