ABSTRACT
Within radiology, although a misnomer, 'picture archiving and communication system (PACS) management' has become the accepted generalised term for a particular branch of health informatics, focusing on the implementation and maintenance of radiology and cardiology information systems, typically including the PACS and RIS at its heart. There are two distinct entry points into the upper 'managerial' sections of the PACS profession: as a qualified HCPC registered radiographer with a degree or diploma working upwards from a senior radiographer, or as an IT practitioner becoming involved within radiology. Formal systems training is the basic level of training required to be an effective autonomous PACS professional and is unique to the specific applications installed and that need to be managed. Many new PACS radiographers have just a basic understanding of the standards that underpin the systems used in radiology, but even when searching for more information can struggle to find out more owing to the lack of textbooks and easily absorbable guides.
