Quality assurance issues and PACS.

Abstract

Quality assessment and assurance is a growing concern in all areas of health care. The concern is fueled by a body of evidence that indicates that quality of care is not optimal, and in many instances, is unacceptably low. Although different standards for quality have been proposed, health outcome is the ultimate standard, since improving health is the goal of the health care system. The effects of PACS on health outcome are not known. A PAC system has the potential to improve quality, especially if it makes the diagnostic process more efficient, but evidence that such improvement actually occurs is so far lacking.