Core Essentials Live: PACS Architecture and Workflow – Beyond the Basics

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Apr 21, Aug 11, Oct 27

Expanding on the foundational concepts introduced in Part 1: the Basics, this course goes deeper into the advanced functionalities and essential components of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). In Module 3, participants explore the intricacies of image management, database architecture, and archive implementation, covering vital considerations like RAID, SAN, NAS, and the pivotal role of a Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA). Insights into workflow management, worklists, and critical aspects of business continuity and disaster recovery within the PACS environment are provided. Shifting focus to Module 4, the course addresses PACS viewing, the implementation of image sharing mechanisms, and the key distinctions between medical and commercial-grade monitors. Additionally, the course extensively covers Imaging AI, offering participants an in-depth examination of artificial intelligence principles, methodologies, and practical applications in the realm of medical imaging. The course wraps up by examining the effective use of test patterns to optimize image viewing, ensuring that participants are well-versed in advanced PACS knowledge. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to: 

• Describe the roles of PACS archive, image manager, workflow manager, view stations, and VNA in supporting and interfacing with modalities, departmental systems, and reporting systems. 
• Demonstrate the usage of PACS viewing, essential features such as Hanging Protocols, and image sharing implementation. 
• Evaluate the implementation and management of image manager and archive, workflow manager and worklists, and VNA. 
• Evaluate the benefits and limitations of cloud-based storage management for PACS architecture. 
• Develop a test protocol for evaluating the functionality of PACS viewing systems. 

Format/Class Structure

This is a live, virtual course held on SIIM’s Zoom platform. Participants will engage in instructor-led, interactive learning with hands-on training using SIIM’s Virtual Hospital Program (VHP). 

Who Should Take This Course

This course provides a broad overview for professionals who support PACS systems, including PACS administrators, Radiologic Technologists, biomedical and service engineers, and IT personnel. It’s also suitable for individuals seeking a career in healthcare imaging and informatics, such as software developers and integration analysts. 

Content Outline

Module 1: Advance Image and Archive Management

• Image managers and database 
• Storage solutions – RAID, SAN, NAS etc. and their application in PACS archives 
• Vendor Neutral Archive (VNA) in environments of shared/enterprise deployments 
• Business continuity and disaster recovery 
• Data migration issues and management techniques 
• Cloud-based storage management 

Module 2: Advanced PACS Viewing and Implementation

• Workstations and image management functions 
• Implementing image sharing mechanisms 
• Imaging AI and its applications 
• Medical vs. commercial-grade monitors 
• Use of test patterns for viewing and QA in PACS 

CE Credit

The Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine has approved this activity for 2.0 hours of SIIM IIP Credits towards certification and re-certification by the American Board of Imaging Informatics (ABII).

To receive credit for the activity, registrants must complete the course modules and survey.

Note: In order to receive credits for any events/learning you attend you must select your eligible credit types found in the CE & Certification section of your MySIIM Account profile.

After registering for the course, navigate to My Learning in your MySIIM Account profile to access the content.

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• FREE live & on-demand webinars
• Unlimited CE learning opportunities at no extra cost
• Discounted conferences and training
• Complimentary Journal of Imaging Informatics in Medicine