Course Description
Management of radiology information systems / picture archiving communication and communication systems (RIS/PACS) is essential to ensure that the benefits of both systems are maximised and to further ensure that patient data is controlled in a responsible and legislatively compliant way.
The first module acts as a primer for the system administration level of operation. It delivers advanced information on modern image acquisition, storage and display systems in radiology. RIS/PACS administration is explored, including current regulatory requirements. The second module aims to build on the RIS/PACS frontline skillsets, to develop specialised knowledge and understanding of theRIS/PACS manager role and to prepare the student for overall system management.
This will cover skill sets required through an entire project lifecycle from initial specification, system procurement, implementation & go-live management, service level agreement management and active staff & documentation management. The final module aims to build on the RIS/PACS I & II skill sets to apply specialised knowledge and understanding in a practicalclinical context. It is particularly developed to infer professional competence in RIS/PACS administration in both an overall system management role and a frontline support role.
Modules
The programme comprises three 10 credit modules: RIS / PACS 1, 2 and 3.
RIS PACS 1
This module seeks to impart the information required to be familiar with the technology and justification of a Radiology Information System and a Picture Archiving and Communication System in a diagnostic imaging department. This module is of particular relevance to radiographers, radiation therapists, IT professionals and RIS/PACS personnel. It is taught over six days and incorporates HITS. HITS (Health Informatics Training System) is an IT certification programme for healthcare workers. The HITS Level 1 syllabus gives a basic understanding of health informatics and is suitable for anyone working in the healthcare industry, at any level. The course is delivered online, where candidates can also access study aids including quizzes and a sample test. The course is self study, approximately 20 hours study time is required. On completion candidates sit an online test in a supervised test environment. The test is of 45 minutes duration and comprises 40 knowledge-based multi-choice questions. A pass mark of 75% is required to attain the certificate, which is issued by ICS SKILLS.
Knowledge Outcomes:
- Have advanced information on modern image acquisition, storage and display systems in radiology. Terminology of digital imaging including clinical terminology will be expanded as the module progresses.
- Be aware of: the concepts of the digital image and digital image acquisition will be included with focus on distribution, DICOM, HL7, IHE and communication and the concepts and technologies behind storage area networks, network protocols and security will be explored.
- Discuss the cutting edge of image display, viewing room ergonomics, display calibration and quality assurance,
- Will learn about PACS strategies nationwide and in Europe.
Professional skills:
- Be knowledgeable regarding the regulations guiding the RIS/PACS administrators’ role such as legislation, policy, protocols and guidelines will be explored and he RIS/PACS administrator’s roles from: trouble shooting at the PC, system, network and user levels; teaching and presentation skills will be included.
- Will have gained practical experience of image acquisition technologies;
- Will be able to appreciate the role of standards such as DICOM and HL7 and initiatives such as IHE in communication across networks;
- Will be aware of the storage technologies available and the trends in medical image storage at local and national level; Will be practically able to discuss security levels for the network through the technologies of VPNs, ports, firewalls, virus scanning, access levels;
- Will be able to assess display technologies for their key specifications and to assess their performance using psychophysical and diagnostic performance tests;
Personal / Professional Development:
- Will be made aware of the relevant legislation regarding data protection, Freedom of information and consent regarding the transmission of images; Will explore guidelines for RIS/PACS administration; Will draw up a protocol for RIS/PACS administration in their hospital;
- Can trouble shoot PC, system, network and user levels;
- Will have considered teaching and presentation skills for information dissemination at a department level.
RIS PACS 2
UCD School of Medicine and Medical Science is pleased to offer a module designed for professionals working with or aspiring to work with RIS / PACS facilities in the hospital environment. This module provides an appropriate theoretical background for radiographers, radiation therapists, IT professionals and PACS personnel working within or around the RIS / PACS of an Imaging department. The module has been approved in UCD and is worth 10 European Credit Transfer points at Masters level. This module is of particular relevance to radiographers, radiation therapists, IT professionals and RIS/PACS personnel. This module is taught over six days.
Entry Requirements:
- The module is open to any Radiographers, Radiation Therapists, IT professionals and RIS/PACS personnel working within or around the RIS PACS of an Imaging department. Other professionals will be considered on individual application.
Programme Aims:
- This module will advance the RIS / PACS System Administrators skill sets from the RIS/PACS Management I Module, to include system management skills with the following focus:-
- To work within the Regulatory Requirements:
- The various regulatory requirements involved with implementing a RIS/PACS system in terms of Data Protection, Health & Safety in both design and operation. The implications of the operation of RIS/PACS systems under the Medical Devices Directive will be discussed.
To understand system procurement:
- The processes required to procure a RIS/PACS system will be included from both an EU tendering perspective and also from the HSE and NIMIS perspective. The specification of both systems and operational needs will be explored to enable the RIS/PACS Manager to critically evaluate the systems offered and also the full lifecycle implications including the vendor service offerings. Different purchasing strategies will also be evaluated. The impact of this implementation on other departmental and infrastructural procurements will also be addressed.
To drive system implementation:
- The requirements to effectively project manage RIS/PACS in terms of its installation, staff training, setup of support structures & the definition of service level agreements will be discussed. To manage the system: To effectively operate and manage RIS/PACS in terms of active system management including refresh intervals, active staff management from both the training, operation & support perspective and also the definition & maintenance of auditable processes within this system of work will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
- Upon completion of this course the participants will :
- Demonstrate the knowledge related to the Regulatory Requirements in terms of Data Protection, FOI, Health and Safety and will have considered how to apply these in the practical setting.
- Demonstrate the ability to assess the technical specifications required for acquisition storage and display systems and will be familiar with the requirements of the EU Tendering process in this regard.
- Be able to assess tender documents for DICOM conformance statements in regard to service level users and providers.
- Be able to state and discuss the requirements for service level agreements.
- Be able to state and discuss the requirements to effectively project manage RIS/PACS in terms of its installation, staff training, setup of support structures & the definition service level agreements.
- Be able to describe and discuss the requirements to effectively operate and manage RIS/PACS in terms of active system management including refresh intervals, active staff management from both the training, operation & support perspective and also the definition & maintenance of auditable processes.
RIS PACS 3
This will be a 10 credit, level 4 module. The course entry requirements are an appropriate undergraduate degree qualification or equivalent. This module is of particular relevance to radiographers, radiation therapists, IT professionals and RIS/PACS personnel particularly those that have undergone RIS PACS I and II. This module aims to build on the RIS/PACS System Administrator skill sets to develop specialised knowledge and understanding of the RIS/PACS manager role to practically prepare the student for the overall system management role as opposed to a frontline support role.
This will cover skill sets required through an entire project lifecycle from initial specification, system procurement, implementation & go-live management, Service level Agreement management and finally active staff & documentation management. The module will particularly focus on the clinical skills associated with the practice of RIS PACS Management.
Indicative Learning Objectives :
- This module will advance the PACS System Administrators skill sets from RIS /PACS Management I and II, to include system management skills in the following areas of study:-
Knowledge Outcomes:
- To develop and use protocols for the short term medium term and long term development of RIS PACS in their department within the frame work of the various regulatory requirements involved with implementing a RIS/PACS system in terms of Data Protection, Health & Safety in both design and operation. The implications of the operation of RIS/PACS systems under the Medical Devices Directive will be discussed.
- To demonstrate an understanding of system procurement: The processes required to procure a RIS/PACS system will be included from both an EU tendering perspective and also from the HSE and NIMIS perspective. The specification of both systems and operational needs will be explored to enable the RIS/PACS Manager to critically evaluate the systems offered and also the full lifecycle implications including the vendor service offerings. Different purchasing strategies will also be evaluated. The impact of this implementation on other departmental and infrastructural procurements will also be assessed.
Professional Skills:
- To demonstrate competence in the daily management of RIS PACS system.
- To manage a RIS PACS system.
- To teach and train within RIS PACS Management
- To develop skills within the RIS PACS team
- To provide a record of the practice of working within the various regulatory requirements of Data Protection, Health & Safety in both design & operation of RIS/PACS systems under the Medical Devices Directive.
- To effectively operate and manage RIS/PACS in terms of active system management including refresh intervals, active staff management from both the training, operation & support perspective and also the definition & maintenance of auditable processes within this system of work will be discussed.
Personal/Professional Development:
- To gather the evidence for competence in RIS PACS Management
- To demonstrate competence in the daily management of RIS PACS system.
- To develop plans for medium and long term RIS PACS
- To drive System Implementation: The requirements to effective project manage RIS/PACS in terms of its installation, staff training, setup of support structures & the definition service level agreements will be discussed.
