How to Reduce Clinical Stress with Cloud-Based PACS

The ever-growing demand for imaging services has placed significant stress on radiologists, contributing to high levels of burnout across the field. Addressing this challenge requires innovative approaches, with cloud-based Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) emerging as a powerful solution. These platforms provide modernised workflows and enhanced access to critical diagnostics, enabling radiologists to meet patient needs more effectively while reducing clinical stress.

Improving Efficiency with Automation

One of the most compelling advantages of cloud-based PACS is their ability to reorganise workflows through automation. Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) tools embedded in platforms such as GE HealthCare’s True PACS can help radiologists prioritise their worklists, perform measurements and assess clinical data more efficiently. By leveraging features like auto-next workflows and AI-based reading protocols, radiologists can reduce manual tasks and the potential for errors, thus improving their accuracy and productivity. These enhancements can increase radiologist efficiency by up to 20%, enabling them to complete more readings in less time. Reducing time spent on repetitive tasks also mitigates fatigue, allowing radiologists to focus more on diagnostic precision and patient interactions, which are critical for positive outcomes.

The impact of automation extends beyond individual productivity. It allows entire radiology departments to operate more smoothly, even during peak demand periods. With cloud-based PACS, AI-driven tools can automate various stages of the diagnostic process, including image triage and pre-reporting tasks. This ensures that radiologists can prioritise cases effectively, which is particularly valuable in urgent scenarios where quick, accurate decisions are essential.

Enhanced Adaptability for Complex Workloads 

Radiologists today face increasingly complex imaging tasks, with modalities like MRI and CT scans often requiring substantial computational power and advanced processing capabilities. Cloud-based PACS facilitate rapid rendering of 3D images and support compute-intensive imaging types, such as tomosynthesis mammography, without the limitations typically found in traditional on-premises systems. This capacity enables health systems to embrace more sophisticated diagnostic tools that would be difficult to integrate using legacy infrastructure.

The robust storage and computing capabilities provided by cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS) ensure that complex workloads are managed effectively. With scalable resources, cloud-based platforms can accommodate fluctuations in demand without compromising on speed or performance. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining high levels of service quality as patient volumes increase and imaging techniques become more intricate. Moreover, it allows radiologists to take on a larger number of imaging studies, ultimately improving patient throughput and reducing wait times, which enhances the overall patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Ensuring Continuous Access and Simplified User Experience

Operational continuity is essential in healthcare, particularly for departments such as radiology, where delays can impede critical care and patient safety. Cloud-based PACS platforms, supported by AWS’s high uptime rate of 99.999% and comprehensive disaster recovery measures, ensure that radiologists maintain seamless workflows. This uninterrupted access prevents operational downtime that could severely impact emergency and intensive care units, leading to better overall performance in patient management.

Beyond operational continuity, modern cloud-based PACS platforms simplify the user experience. Legacy systems often come with outdated interfaces that can be inconvenient and unintuitive, creating barriers for clinicians trained in modern technology. In contrast, cloud-based solutions are designed with streamlined, user-friendly interfaces that make navigation straightforward and efficient. Radiologists benefit from the ability to manage multiple tasks with minimal clicks and switch between different states seamlessly, enabling them to consult colleagues, share findings or request second opinions without needing to open multiple applications.

Additionally, the capability for remote reading and distributed workloads further enhances productivity and reduces stress. Radiologists can access diagnostic tools and patient exams from various locations, providing flexibility that helps balance their workload. This is particularly important in today’s healthcare environment, where the ability to work remotely can contribute significantly to job satisfaction and reduce burnout.

Transitioning to cloud-based PACS provides significant clinical, operational and financial benefits for health systems. These platforms improve efficiency through automation, enhance adaptability for handling complex imaging and ensure continuous access, all while offering intuitive user experiences. By adopting such agile solutions, health systems can support radiologists more effectively, reduce the stress associated with their roles and ultimately provide higher-quality care to patients. In an era of rising imaging demands, cloud-based PACS stand out as a vital component for sustainable and resilient healthcare delivery.

Source: Digital Health Insights

Image Credit: iStock