PACS 2006 6th Annual Conference

Needs Assessment

With the rapid emergence of clinical specialties other than radiology implementing digital healthcare information and management systems, it has become apparent that experiences learned in radiology can be used advantageously as other clinical specialties begin their implementation process. The need still exists to increase the knowledge level of individuals involved in implementing digital healthcare systems so they understand why an integrated healthcare archive is preferred to isolated islands of stored information and how to seamlessly integrate data and images to achieve maximum productivity and minimize cost. The PACS 2006 Program Committee considered the opinions of nationally-recognized experts. The Committee also considered participant feedback acquired from the PACS 2005 Meeting Evaluations and current literature was reviewed to develop the framework for this four-day educational program. A variety of educational methodologies will be used to accomplish the conference goals. The program will offer didactic lectures; present case studies from community hospitals, teaching institutions and private practices; panel discussions; question and answer sessions; and "hands-on" experience using information systems.

The objectives of PACS 2006 are to ensure that participants:

• Will understand the importance of providing integrated electronic delivery of clinical images and data
• Will understand the direct implication of economic and productivity benefits of operating in an integrated paperless and film-less environment
• Will understand how the digital healthcare information and management environment will improve patient care while reducing costly errors
• Are kept abreast of advancing technologies in the application of digital imaging and information management systems for the healthcare enterprise