While the penetration of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) in European hospitals is 80 per cent, the modern radiology information system (RIS) that drives PACS has only reached a penetration level of about 41 per cent. Legacy RIS modules ubiquitously 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 realised the importance of investing in a modern RIS. Moreover, they are also recognising the need to purchase RIS and PACS from the same vendor to reduce operational costs.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.medicalimaging.frost.com), European RIS/PACS Market, finds that the market was valued at $679.4 million in 2009 and estimates this to reach $1,353.3 million in 2016.
"Expanding regulatory initiatives of DICOM and HL7 will make the homegrown RIS solution obsolete, thereby boosting RIS installations from prominent vendors," notes Frost & Sullivan Programme 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 data, thereby adding to the operational cost of hospitals. Modern RIS and PACS installations will ensure a single-point desktop access to radiology information and digitised images. This will support enhanced productivity.