Picture Archiving & Communication Systems(PACS)
Improving Workflow in the Operating Room
A picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is a medical imaging system which provides digital storage and access to images from multiple modalities such as X-Ray, CT, MRI and Audio Visual equipment. Electronic images and reports are transmitted digitally via PACS eliminating the need to manually file, retrieve or transport film jackets and reducing the risk of information being misplaced by patients and hospital staff.
A PACS consists of four major components:
1. Image sources
2. Secured network for the transmission of patient information
3. Viewing stations (or workstations) for interpreting and reviewing images
4. Archives for the storage and retrieval of images and reports
A Starkstrom PACS Viewing Station is typically a wall-mounted, flush metal enclosure containing monitors, PC, keyboard and other interfaces (e.g. optical drives, card readers). It enables clinical staff to access and review patient information and images in an ergonomic and convenient manner.
Improved Workflow
Starkstrom’s PACS Viewing Stations can help improve the ergonomics and process flow in an operating room environment and do not take up valuable floor space.
- Ease of Use – PACS screens are flush mounted on operating walls at about 1600mm above floor level, giving a comfortable eye line for most users. The integral membrane keyboard allows easy access of archived patient images before, during and after a procedure.
- Rear and Front Access – can be designed to be accessed from front panel within the operating room or through reardoors from an unsterile corridor. Rear access helps maintain the cleanliness of the theatre during maintenance accessand is generally preferable.
- Compatibility with AV Systems – internal infrastructure can be designed to either duplicate the PACS informationon a screen within the clinical field (typically, a monitor arm of the operating light suspension system) or display a video feed from another source on the PACS Viewing Station.
Enhanced Safety
Starkstrom’s PACS Viewing Stations have been designed to enhance safety and security in the operating room environment.
- Infection Control – a single, toughened glass fascia is used to cover the monitors and integrate the IP66 membrane keyboard and trackpad, allowing the surface to be wiped clean without being hindered by multiple recesses or other dirt traps.
- Prevention of Trips and Falls – with a flush, wall mounted PACS Viewing Station there are no trailing cables helping prevent patients and hospital staff from trips and falls.
- Equipment Security – the monitor, PC and keyboard are locked onto the stainless steel fascia helping prevent removal of these devices.
Bespoke Solutions
Starkstrom is an experienced medical infrastructure supplier with in-house R&D, design and manufacturing capability.This means that Starkstrom can respond quickly to design requests, meet almost any configuration and offer lead times to suit the tightest building programmes.
- Metal Finish – painted finish provides a modern look to suit the state-of-the-art hospitals of today.
- Panel and Screen Sizes – large number of panel sizes available ranging from 900 to 1200mm in width for 24” to46” screens, respectively. They can be configured to suit the hospital’s needs.
- PC Specifications – three options (standard, mid, high) are available based on what processing the PC is required todo, including powering multiple screens and integrating with other equipment.
- Optional Features – available to improve digital security, storage and integration with other systems: user accesscard reader, DVD writer, external communications port.
