Even if your PACS has been up and running for a while, it’s important to keep things fresh and efficient. Of course, in a busy medical imaging facility, keeping up with maintenance and training can be challenging. Here are 3 simple tips for keeping your PACS maintenance top of mind in your imaging department.
- Keep Fine-Tuning Your PACS
Just because your PACS is up and running doesn’t mean it couldn’t use a little tweaking. Regularly check in on how your PACS is performing and ask your team for feedback. Are images taking longer to load during peak hours? There might be workflows that could be streamlined or features that aren’t being fully utilized. It could be time to review server settings or update critical PACS software. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your vendor for updates or tips on how to get the most out of your system.
- Refresh Your Team’s PACS User and Administration Skills
As medical imaging technology evolves, regular training is crucial. Effective PACS training includes hands-on workshops, interactive webinars, and scenario-based learning, ensuring users can navigate and utilize the system efficiently. Super users and admins should access advanced PACS training courses to stay updated, while new team members need thorough onboarding to maximize efficiency and optimize patient care. Your PACS vendor should provide advice and support to help you build ongoing PACS training programs.
- Stay Vigilant with Security
Data security is one area where you can’t afford to get complacent, especially in a medical imaging environment dealing with PHI (Protected Health Information). Make sure your security protocols are up-to-date and conduct regular audits to catch any potential vulnerabilities. Work with your IT team to stay ahead of any threats and ensure you’re still compliant with regulations like HIPAA. Keeping your data secure is key to maintaining trust with your patients and avoiding any unwanted surprises.
By staying proactive with these tips, you’ll keep your PACS running smoothly and continue to support your team and patients effectively.