Arthur LaChance has joined Memorial Hospital in Pawtucket as director of diagnostic imaging. He last served as director of outpatient imaging centers at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis. LaChance has 20 years’ experience in radiology management, including the implementation of PACS (Picture Archiving Communication System), to be implemented at Memorial in this month.
PBN: What is PACS?
LaCHANCE: PACS is a state-of-the-art information system that allows for instant and secure digital access to patient images and radiology reports. PACS coordinates all aspects of digital imaging. This includes capturing images from imaging modalities and storing this clinical information in a secure environment, and distributing and displaying both clinical images and corresponding diagnostic information throughout the hospital’s network.
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PBN: How will this change the hospital’s imaging services?
LaCHANCE: It replaces conventional X-ray film and improves access to patient information by providing the ability for referring clinicians to review their patients’ images on PCs in the hospital, as well as from their own offices. The system represents a network of computer servers and Web-based workstations that will be interfaced with the hospitals’ diagnostic imaging equipment such as X-ray, CT Scan, MRI and ultrasound.
PBN: How will PACS affect patient care?
LaCHANCE: The elimination of film means a faster diagnosis and treatment for the patient, which leads to the reduction of medical costs. A patient’s images are immediately digitally available to their physician, or can be consolidated onto a CD for referrals to consulting physicians or institutions. Efficiency within the hospital is improved, and delays are reduced, if not eliminated.
