National PACS and Electronic Health Records: Considerations, Challenges, and Implications for Radiomics
Abstract
Purpose To examine the considerations, challenges, and implications of implementing a national picture archiving and communication system (PACS) integrated with electronic health records (EHRs), with particular emphasis on interoperability, radiomics, and patient-centered data sharing.
Method A systematic literature review was conducted using books, peer-reviewed articles, original research studies, and government publications addressing radiomics, TEFCA, blockchain technology, PACS, and EHR integration. Literature was analyzed to evaluate national health information exchange, radiomics applications, and implementation challenges associated with a connected healthcare infrastructure.
Results Three primary themes emerged: (a) interoperable national PACS and EHR systems have the potential to improve continuity of care through secure, patient-centered data sharing; (b) integration of radiomics within connected health information systems may enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalized medicine, and clinical decision support; and (c) implementation barriers include infrastructure limitations, interoperability challenges, data governance, privacy concerns, and financial constraints.
Discussion The reviewed evidence demonstrates that integrating national PACS, EHRs, and radiomics could substantially improve healthcare coordination by reducing duplicate imaging, supporting continuity of care, and enabling broader use of quantitative imaging biomarkers. However, successful implementation will require standardized interoperability frameworks, secure data exchange, scalable infrastructure, and sustained investment to address technical, regulatory, and organizational challenges.
Conclusion National integration of PACS and EHRs, combined with expanded radiomics applications, has the potential to advance precision medicine and improve healthcare delivery. Continued development of interoperable, secure, and patient-centered information systems is essential to support widespread implementation and maximize clinical benefit.
