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We are proud to announce that our paper, titled "User-Centered Design and Implementation of Useful Picture Archiving and Communication Systems for Effective Radiological Workflows in Public Health Facilities in Zambia," has been accepted for publication in the SAICSIT CCIS Springer proceedings.
Summary
Our paper delves into the manual processes currently hindering radiological workflows in Zambian public health facilities and introduces a user-centered design approach to implement a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) platform. By conducting interviews with radiologists and radiographers, the study uncovers the challenges related to image storage, management, and access, emphasizing the necessity for a more streamlined and efficient system.
Identifying Challenges in Current Workflows
- The research began with a comprehensive analysis of the existing radiological workflows in public health facilities across Zambia. Through interviews with radiologists and radiographers, several critical issues were identified:
- Manual Processes: Current workflows rely heavily on manual processes for storing and retrieving medical images, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
- Storage Issues: Inadequate storage solutions often result in lost or misplaced images, complicating patient diagnosis and treatment.
- Access Problems: Difficulty in accessing patient images across different departments hampers the continuity of care.
Designing a User-Centered PACS Platform
- To address these challenges, we adopted a user-centered design approach to develop a PACS platform based on Dicoogle. The design process involved:
- User Interviews: Gathering detailed input from radiologists and radiographers to understand their specific needs and pain points.
- Iterative Design: Creating prototypes and iteratively refining them based on user feedback to ensure the platform met the users' requirements.
- Focus on Usability: Ensuring the platform was intuitive and easy to use, facilitating seamless integration into existing workflows.
Evaluation and Feedback
The platform was evaluated using the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) 2 questionnaire, which revealed positive feedback on factors such as job relevance, perceived ease of use, and intention to use. Participants provided valuable insights and suggestions for further improvement, including:
- Integration with Online Patient Records: Ensuring seamless access to complete patient histories.
- Support for Large Data Sets: Incorporating features to handle and view large volumes of imaging data.
- Image Exportability: Facilitating easy export of images for further analysis or sharing with other healthcare providers.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of user feedback and iterative design in refining the PACS platform to meet the evolving needs of healthcare professionals. By focusing on user needs and system usability, our research demonstrates the feasibility of designing and implementing a user-centered and cost-effective PACS platform. This platform aims to enhance patient care, streamline radiological practices, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare services in resource-limited settings like Zambia.
We are thrilled that our work has been recognized and will be published in the SAICSIT CCIS Springer proceedings. This recognition underscores the potential impact of our research on improving radiological workflows and patient care in public health facilities.