Users’ satisfaction with imaging services before and after the implementation of picture archiving and communication system

  Introduction: The picture archiving and communication system is a digital device designed for processing, archiving and communicating medical images with different parts of hospitals, physicians and radiologists. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the impact of the system on users’ satisfaction with imaging services before and after its implementation. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted in two phases, before and after the implementation of the picture archiving and communication system, and on all physicians and radiologists (N= 51) working in Nohome Dey Hospital in Torbat Heidaryeh. At first, the overall satisfaction of the users from the system was evaluated, and then the result was compared with their satisfaction before and after the implementation of the system. A questionnaire was used to collect data which were then analyzed by SPSS using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon test. Results: The overall user satisfaction was 55.5 (maximum score 65). However, there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001) between the mean scores before and after the implementation of the system (23.74 and 32.05, respectively).  Conclusion: The level of users’ satisfaction (physicians and radiologists) increased after the implementation of the picture archiving and communication system; as a result, the system can improve the satisfaction of physicians and radiologists.