Misagh Zahiri Esfahani1,2, Jamileh Farokhzadian3, Kambiz Bahaadinbeigy4, Reza Khajouei5,1. 1. Department of Health Information Sciences, Faculty of Management and Medical Information Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 2. Student Research Committee, Department of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 3. Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 4. Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. 5. Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is an evolving technology in health care domains that is used for storage, management, retrieval, transfer, and delivery of medical images. Some medical centers in Iran have installed the PACS in recent years but have not used it appropriately. One of the problems in implementing this system is inability to select appropriate PACS. Several factors are involved in the selection process. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence PACS selection. METHODS: This qualitative study aimed to identify factors influencing the PACS selection. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 experts in three educational hospitals and in the position to make decision for the purchase of PACS. Data were analyzed by the conventional qualitative content analysis method proposed by Lundman and Graneheim. RESULTS: Analyses achieved 11 subcategories in two specific and general categories that influence PACS selection. The specific category of this study included six subcategories, and the general category included five subcategories. CONCLUSION: The results of this study determined that usability was the most important factor from the perspective of participants. Since the main users of a system have a critical role in adoption or rejection of a system, ease of use (usability) is significant and must be considered in system selection as a significant factor.
BACKGROUND: Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) is an evolving technology in health care domains that is used for storage, management, retrieval, transfer, and delivery of medical images. Some medical centers in Iran have installed the PACS in recent years but have not used it appropriately. One of the problems in implementing this system is inability to select appropriate PACS. Several factors are involved in the selection process. The objective of this study was to determine the factors that influence PACS selection. METHODS: This qualitative study aimed to identify factors influencing the PACS selection. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 10 experts in three educational hospitals and in the position to make decision for the purchase of PACS. Data were analyzed by the conventional qualitative content analysis method proposed by Lundman and Graneheim. RESULTS: Analyses achieved 11 subcategories in two specific and general categories that influence PACS selection. The specific category of this study included six subcategories, and the general category included five subcategories. CONCLUSION: The results of this study determined that usability was the most important factor from the perspective of participants. Since the main users of a system have a critical role in adoption or rejection of a system, ease of use (usability) is significant and must be considered in system selection as a significant factor.