Evaluation of a Radiology Picture Archiving and Communication System Laboratory Exercise

This paper presents the pilot evaluation of a laboratory classroom simulation of radiology networking technology. The simulation focused on educating undergraduate students in applying radiology Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) in a networked environment, based on the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard. The laboratory exercise structure enables students to simulate the operation of radiology departments in terms of DICOM communication with imaging devices, storing and retrieving images, as well as viewing and processing them. The evaluation was applied to a group of students implementing an exercise and results, as provided by filling a questionnaire indicate the overall positive attitude of students in using such tools in the educational process, especially concerning the motivation of students for active participation in the exercises and incitation for further reading of theoretical material related to the course.