RIS-PACS-Archive (Diagnostic Imaging)

The objective of the Saskatchewan RIS/PACS initiative is to implement a common shared Radiology Information System (RIS) and Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) infrastructure for the province. Together with the private radiology clinics, this will account for approximately 80 per cent of the medical imaging within the province.

The PACS component is a computer system that interfaces with the medical imaging device (i.e., X-Ray, CT Scan, MRI, ultrasound, etc.) to capture the image in a digital format. Once captured, the image can be stored, manipulated and transmitted over a computer network.

The RIS component interfaces with the existing hospital information systems to capture patient demographic and study (digital exams) orders. Once the information is captured, authorized health care providers in Medical Imaging departments use the information to schedule and complete the exam. As exams are completed they are interpreted by a authorized radiologist and the results are recorded in the RIS. The RIS interfaces with the PACS component to link images from the study and the interpreted results making them available to authorized users - typically referring physicians.

The initial implementation of this project is focused on the Medical Imaging departments within the provincial and regional acute care facilities. As such, the stakeholder community consists of representatives from the following:

• Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region - Pasqua Hospital and Regina General Hospital
• Saskatoon Health Region - Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon City Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital
• Prince Albert Parkland Health Region - Victoria Hospital 
• Sunrise Health Region - Yorkton Regional Health Centre 
• Cypress Health Region - Cypress Regional Hospital
• Five Hills Health Region - Moose Jaw Union Hospital
• Prairie North Health Region - Battlefords Union Hospital and Lloydminster Hospital.

Throughout the planning phases, clinical, technical and privacy workgroup members from these locations, as well as selected district and other health facilities, have participated in the planning and development of this project. The workgroup members have continued on as change management and implementation champions in their respective facilities.

The project has leveraged expertise from a wide variety of disciplines within the regional radiology departments. As a result, the workgroups represent the many varied interests in diagnostic imaging including: radiologists, technologists, medical imaging management, clerical, administrative, IT technologists and regional privacy officers.

The Diagnostic Imaging Report (January, 2005) identifies the implementation of RIS/PACS as a critical ‘enabler' for improving the management of diagnostic imaging in the province. Since the investments in information technology are directly tied to business and program priorities for the health sector, the Diagnostic Imaging Network will guide planning for this project.