The Strategy to be "Paperless" Via a Cost-Effective Filmless Plan

Abstract

The group of folks assigned to the project were identified, and on April 23, 2001, an Request For Information (RFI) was released to 11 preidentified Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) vendors. Our project was unique in 2 respects. First, there was an aggressive timeline. Second there was specific outpatient environment requirements. There was a need to move images and other patient-related data between several sites while depending heavily on the Wide Area Network (WAN) design rather than the typical Local Area Network (LAN) configuration. We learned quickly that there was not one live site, at which we could visit to observe our vision in action, nor had any solution been built to accomplish our specific objectives. The months of May, June, and July consisted of vendor meetings, RFI response reviews and, clinical and corporate visits ending on August 9, 2001 when our prime vendor of choice was selected. During this process, we identified deal breakers outlining specific needs for "go live," which is targeted for Q2 (2nd Quarter) 2002. The biggest workflow opportunity is to be paperless as well as filmless. By this we not only mean traditional RIS information but also patient documents (insurance information, physician script) as well as modality-patient-specific information. All of this information needs to be available electronically to accomplish) any patient record, any place, any time! The month of August was filled with WAN and LAN solution investigations. The solution of choice will be both cost effective and challenged to achieve 99.9% reliability. A cost-benefit analysis was performed and reviewed to better understand our return on investment. The months of September and October have been dedicated to Computerized Radiography (CR) technology. The TEAM reviewed 3 solutions, which consisted of both sit-down sessions as well as clinical site assessments. Again, "deal breaker" criteria were summarized and a solution chosen. Contract negotiations will soon conclude, and an aggressive implementation will begin!