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RIS System: What Is a RIS System and What Is It For?

RIS System: What Is a RIS System and What Is It For?

Implementing a RIS system brings numerous advantages. ▷ Learn about this component that integrates with PACS, its features ✓, functions, and benefits ✓.

By Eden Experts

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A radiology information system is software used to manage medical images and other associated data in a hospital setting. Discover its main features and benefits.

Technology is becoming increasingly incorporated into the healthcare sector, making digitization more prevalent. This has benefited both the physician-patient relationship and all the functions of the hospital facility. Notable examples are RIS systems. Let's take a look at what they consist of.

What is a RIS system?

The term RIS stands for radiology information system (radiology information system). It is responsible for collecting, controlling, and exploring all the data obtained from the radiology diagnostic service. 

A RIS collects all the information on a patient's radiology activity, from the moment the study is ordered until the results report is completed. This entire system is designed to be easy to use. 

With a RIS system, it is possible to identify everyone involved in performing the diagnostic test. This allows each person to be held accountable in the event of an error, as well as improving the service provided. It also helps the head of the radiology and imaging department with decision-making.

RIS systems generally operate using worklists, which help increase productivity and provide greater control and organization. The essential worklists of a RIS are:

  • Appointment waiting list. 
  • Exam worklist. 
  • Diagnostic worklist. 
  • Transcription worklist. 
  • Supervision worklist.  

Functions of a RIS system 

Some of the main functions offered by a RIS system are:

  • Appointments. This is the assignment of a date and time for the study, which can be manual or automated. 
  • Reception. Manages the processes involved when the patient arrives to undergo the test.
  • Activity log. A record containing information on the radiology technician, matches, time taken, and materials used.
  • Reports. The creation of the radiology report, which is later sent to the patient or the referring physician. 
  • Statistics. Involves data mining within the system to obtain important information, such as workload.
  • Billing. Allows tracking of payments for services rendered.
  • PACS integration. Allows control over the storage of radiology studies and other functions specific to a PACS system.

Characteristics of a RIS

Among the important characteristics that make up a RIS, we can mention:

  • Image storage, tracking, and distribution. A RIS system stores each radiology image, along with its corresponding report and all the data pertaining to the patient. It also allows tracking of how all information is shared through the computer network connected to the RIS (whether local software or cloud storage), so that physicians can access the data whenever they need it.
  • Patient and resource management. By opting for this digitized service, everything is kept in an organized record that is easy to access for authorized staff. This makes patient registration, scheduling, and material management much easier.
  • Patient tracking. Allows verification of all patient information, medical history, studies performed, current treatment, and progress by logging into the system. 
  • Interactive documents, input and output of results. The digitization of all documents helps improve the distribution of information, reducing wait times, improving communication among physicians, and achieving a faster and more accurate diagnosis. All results are reported digitally and can easily be sent by email or instant messaging. There is also the option to print when needed. 

PACS-RIS integration

During the interpretation process, prior studies or reports are frequently needed and must be available immediately upon request. This means that certain preparations must be made in advance, and this process must be automatic. When a study or scheduling order is placed, if the RIS sends information about the scheduled study, the PACS can automatically retrieve or preload relevant prior studies. 

If a study is changed immediately before it is performed, or if it is added as an emergency, the new information can be sent to the PACS for further review. At any point during interpretation, the radiologist should be able to request and view a patient's previous reports from the PACS workstation.

It is important to know that a RIS system complements a PACS system very well. Each provides its own functions and tools, which brings stability to the radiology and imaging department, and therefore to the entire hospital.

Preparing in advance for the installation and adoption of a RIS is key to success. To minimize the risk of failure, it is important to follow these steps:

  1. Seek specialized IT consulting. 
  2. Plan an incremental migration.
  3. Ensure adequate hardware and communications infrastructure. 
  4. Ensure the acquisition of a RIS that implements HL7 and certifications such as HIPAA. 
  5. Anticipate future systems to be integrated with the RIS, such as the PACS system. 
  6. Review the department's workflow and reorganize it if necessary. 
  7. Train and familiarize staff with the information systems.

Advantages of the RIS system

Implementing a RIS system brings numerous advantages, among which we can mention:

  • Reduced costs for support and handling operations.
  • Losses in the storage of radiology film are avoided.
  • Service delivery is improved, since once the image is captured, the result is immediately transmitted to the PACS and the image can be viewed in real time.
  • It is environmentally friendly, since film production is avoided and paperwork is likewise reduced.
  • The diagnostic process is improved, since data entry errors are significantly reduced.
  • Priority is given to physician-patient care. 
  • Increases patient flow due to more efficient appointment scheduling and faster reports.

‍References