Multihospital use of imaging techniques in decentralized trauma care

BackgroundDecentralized trauma care in the Wald and Weinviertel region in the north of lower Austria comprises five hospitals for primary care including one regional trauma center. Due to the geographical position and adverse weather conditions aweb-based teleradiology system was established to ensure the best possible treatment and joint access to the results of radiological investigations.ObjectiveThe article describes anew picture archiving and communication system (PACS), which provides an online teleradiological workflow between the central trauma care unit and peripheral departments in alocal trauma network as well as the advantages and disadvantages.Material and methodsAcorporately used PACS enables streaming-based full access to studies which are created within the system. Radiological studies can be obtained on request from all subscribers within the network.ResultsTeleradiological networks can essentially contribute to a suitable treatment pathway in an association of hospitals and therefore lead to a rapid initiation of treatment.ConclusionEspecially in rural areas with decentralized trauma care, the joint use of teleradiological resources can lead to abetter treatment quality.