Evaluation of Open Source Medical Imaging Software: A Case Study on Health Technology Student Learning Experience

Abstract

Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACSs) can be relatively high cost acquisitions if the intended purpose of use is limited to educational and research use. However, rapidly growing offering of open-source software enables such acquisitions with moderate cost. Establishing selection criteria product with the best fit for its purpose and testing it for compatibility requires additional effort. A case study of a selection and test process as a student learning experience is analyzed. Knowledge production paradigms are briefly described. Institutional background of Applied Science Universities and Metropolia UAS, its Information and Communications Technology Bachelor of Engineering program and its major, Health Technology are introduced. An intensive project course of Medical Devices Research and Development is analyzed, especially two projects of PACS and DICOM viewers are discussed in more detail. The research value is in documented learning case for pedagogical development and the use value is in tested practical installation. The selection criteria and testing results are summarized. The main results of the project as a joint team teaching and learning experience are discussed and reflected to the knowledge production paradigms.