Increasing Potential Evident for RIS-Driven PACS Modules in Europe

While the penetration of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) in European hospitals is 80%, the modern radiology information system (RIS) that drives PACS has only reached a penetration level of approximately 41%, according to recent market research.

Legacy RIS modules universally dominate the market and many hospitals are reluctant to install a new RIS due to complications associated with training a large group of staff as well as concerns over data migration and security. However, with the third generation of PACS installations, hospitals have realized the impact of investing in a modern RIS. Moreover, they are also recognizing the need to purchase RIS and PACS from the same vendor to reduce operational costs.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (Palo Alto, CA, USA), an international market consultancy company, found that the market was valued at US$679.4 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $1,353.3 million in 2016.

"Expanding regulatory initiatives of DICOM [Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine] and HL [Health Level] 7 will make the homegrown RIS solution obsolete, thereby boosting RIS installations from prominent vendors,” noted Frost & Sullivan program manager Eramangalath Sujith. "The new slipstream of advanced PACS installations will require hospitals to have a modern RIS system that will drive these PACS.”

Old RIS modules are unidirectional systems incapable of driving PACS modules. Unidirectional systems will also lead to unnecessary duplication of information, thereby adding to the operational cost of hospitals. Modern RIS and PACS installations will ensure a single-point desktop access to radiology information and digitized images. This will support enhanced productivity.

The key challenge faced by the RIS/PACS industry is related to people. Hospital staff is used to legacy RIS modules that have existed for more than 20 years. For a long time, hospitals were only concerned with allocating budgets for PACS installations and making their information technology (IT) product range complete. "RIS systems used to cost as much as PACS systems about five to six years ago,” explained Mr. Sujith. "European hospitals allocated budgets only for PACS purchase and not for RIS.”

As most RIS and PACS modules are sold separately, hospitals can save between 10-20% (depending on their preliminary requirements) of the total price on their initial RIS/PACS installation. An even more important criterion promoting system adoption is the prospect of reduced operational cost during the long term. "Vendors for RIS and PACS modules should justify faster return on investments to clients through the purchase of both modules as a combined package,” advised Mr. Sujith.

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