Implementation aspects of image management, archiving, and communication systems in routine clinical use.

Implementation of a digital imaging network in routine clinical use is a difficult task. Not only the high technical requirements, but especially the complexity of the organization of the diagnostic information flow in a hospital makes commitment essential in PACS implementation. The application of project management with a dedicated project team is a good approach to establish this complex endeavor. The different phases of a project for implementation are initiative, definition, design, preparation, realization, and evaluation and are exemplified by what we learned from the Dutch PACS project.