EVALUATION OF THE RADIOLOGY INFORMATION SYSTEM IN THE PUBLIC TEACHING HOSPITALS IN ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF MEDICAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Supporting a treatment approach and medical imaging management, a radiology information system (RIS) acts as one of the central pillars of a health system. Regarding positive effects of such system on patients’ treatment processes and organization functions, it is necessary to evaluate such systems. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess RIS in the public teaching hospitals in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences based on the guidelines of the Britain Royal College of Radiologists.

Methods: The present study is a descriptive study. The research population included all RIS in the public teaching hospitals in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The data collection instrument was a self-designed checklist consisting of 43 criterions about (inputs, process, outputs) factors of radiology information systems based on the guidelines of the Britain Royal College of Radiologists; validity of the compiled checklist was assessed based on the result of the views gathered from the professors in the health information management field.

Results: The finding of the study on the RIS in six hospitals showed the mean of compliance inputs factors of RIS is 27.69%, process 37.14%, outputs 57.77%, and the total amount of compliance criteria (inputs, processes, and outputs) in the RIS is 38.60%.

Conclusion: The findings of study indicate that, based on guidelines of the Britain Royal College of Radiologists, RISs measures have been implemented as inappropriate. Therefore, to achieve the desired mode, the system in future developments must maintain more consistent standards of RISs and more attention should be given to the users’ informational requirement as well as system expectations.