Growth of PACS

In medical imaging, a picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) is a combination of hardware and software dedicated to the short and long term storage, retrieval, management, distribution, and presentation of images. Electronic images and reports are transmitted digitally via PACS; this eliminates the need to manually file, retrieve, or transport film jackets.

A PACS consists of four major components: the imaging modalities such as CT and MRI, a secured network for the transmission of patient information, workstations for interpreting and reviewing images, and archives for the storage and retrieval of images and reports.

Combined with available and emerging web technology, PACS has the ability to deliver timely and efficient access to images, interpretations, and related data. PACS breaks down the physical and time barriers associated with traditional film-based image retrieval, distribution and display.

A number of technological advancements, in both, clinical applications and work-flow management tools are being introduced which have transformed the functionality ofPACS from a viewing and storage solution for images, to a crucial decision support system.

Development

Back in 2008, it was stated by Frost & Sullivan research analyst, Ranjit Ravindranathan on eHealth Europe, that "Robust PACS will drive the market by offering integration with electronic patient records and electronic medical records. Europe is a growing market, especially because of the ongoing efforts todigitalise the European healthcare system."

Timed with future developments, the PACS market value is predicted to grow by 5.9 percent over the next seven years. In 2008, the European PACS market was valued at US$568.7 million, but by 2015, it is expected to reach US$848 million.

According to the same report, the radiology PACS market in Europe was valued at US$384 million in 2008 and is projected to grow at 5.5 percent for the next seven years to reach US$557 million in 2015.

There is growing evidence of work-flow efficiencies, improved quality of care, and cost savings being realised in a number of hospitals, which in turn, has generated interest in the adoption of PACS among general physicians and private practitioners. PACS has almost become indispensable in a digital radiology environment today, in spite of the many hurdles one may face during implementation, Medical Imaging reported.

European market

According to the market research company, Global Data in London, the Europe radiology market was the largest segment with 67 percent contribution to the total PACS market, while cardio PACS market contributed nine percent in 2008.

The cardio PACS market will be the fastest growing segment in Europe at nearly nine percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in 2008-2015 to reach US$93 million in 2015. Other PACS, which include mammography PACS and orthopedics PACS, are also expected to grow slightly faster as compared to radiology PACS at six percent, to reach US$198 million in 2015.

The market will be driven by the late adoption of PACS in countries such as Spain, Italy, Wales, and Northern Ireland due to regional government initiatives, increased adoption amongst private practitioners, and the replacement market.Nonradiology PACS segments such as cardio PACS are expected to be driven by integration of computer-aided diagnosis/detection (CAD) with PACS.

Advancements in technology for clinical applications such as oncology PACS and surgical PACS is going to lead to greater adoption of PACS outside the radiology department over the next seven years, according to global Data. A number of technological advancements, in both clinical applications and work-flow management tools, are being introduced that have transformed the functionality of PACS from a viewing and storage solution for images, to a crucial decision support system, according to a market report.

The need for integrated advanced diagnostic and visualization tools for nonradiology departments such as orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, and mammography will drive technological innovation in the PACS market in Europe.

A number of regional PACS projects such as Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa regional PACS project (HUSpacs) in Finland have shown that PACS when implemented correctly can be instrumental in not only providing superior quality of care, but also reduce costs and improve efficiency.

The European healthcare provider's attitude is finally changing towards acceptance of PACS. The challenge of convincing private practitioners to invest in a good PACS is being met by vendors through customisation, innovative pricing models, and providing technical support for maintenance. This is increasingly eliminating the cultural, technical, and economic difficulties faced by thesehealthcare providers in the past.

PACS represents an opportunity to reduce many costs, but requires a substantial investment of time, personnel, and financial resources. Decisions about whether to go digital must not only meet local requirements but incorporate an awareness of regional, national, even continental efforts to establish networks and data standards.

 

Related News:

The future of private sector medical imaging | GDS Publishing

Like this article? Get the RSS feed:

blog comments powered by Disqus