Critical factors for adopting picture archiving and communication systems in Taiwan: views of radiology department directors

To cope with the dramatic changes and fierce competition, healthcare industry is experiencing major transformation in its information technology base. Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), an integral part of comprehensive electronic medical records, has been recognized as a strategic information technology tool to improve a hospital's competitiveness. Though many studies have investigated the critical factors concerning adoption of information systems, little attention has been focused on the healthcare industry and specifically on PACS. This study incorporates the views of Radiology Department directors and finds that the critical factors for adopting PACS in medical centers and regional hospitals of Taiwan are high-level manager support, governmental policy, and the expected benefits of using PACS.