The Vienna SMZO Project

Abstract

This paper presents the project of the Integrated Digital Radiology System (IDRS), i.e. the integration of PACS, HIS and RIS into a totally digital environment as planned at the SMZO hospital in Vienna, Austria. The hospital -a 1400-bed teaching institution- will start its operation in March 1992. Since 1988 a team consisting of computer engineers and radiologists has been planning the design and the operational structure of this integrated digital radiology service. The goal of this project is to optimize the radiology service by improving communication within the radiology department and with other departments and to increase the accessability of radiologic images, the basis of our daily work. The improvements in these areas certainly will result in better patient care.

In this paper the major considerations in the planning and development phases are outlined as far as the radiologist is concerned and the estimated maximum data volume to be handled — based on the analysis of a hospital of comparable size and functions — is discussed. An overview of the physical structure of the system will be given according to the current plans, which still are open to changes if necessary as planning progresses.