Digital Data Storage (as per RACS DDI Options)

1.
Image Data
Format

2.
Image Data
Distribution

3.
Image Data
Reading

4.
Image Data
Display

5.
Image Data
Manipulation

6.
Image Data
Storage 

While the process of archiving was well defined in public and private radiology practice in the film era, this is still an uncertain and contested area in the transition to digital imaging.

The specific details of long term storage or archiving relate to local patient care needs, available infrastructure, and local statutory requirements. 

 

 

Stage 6

 

Image Data Storage

Optimum

Acceptable (qualified)

Long term storage - should be compliant with local statutory requirements, on secure data storage drive in DICOM format, plus offsite backup and archive -  potentially as part of web access

Hard copy - meeting statutory requirements


Portable media in IHE format for short term when backed up by other methods

 

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Unresolved issues include:

1.       The type(s) of image data to be stored, in particular whether it is necessary or feasible to store all source data, video data, and/or all post-processed images.

2.       Who is responsible for storing and maintaining the data; in the past, private patients have often stored their own images on film, but many digital media are not regarded as adequate for long-term storage
How  archived data are to be located and retrieved.

3.       Appropriate periods of storage in different clinical and legal scenarios.


Particular clinical issues include those relating to:

1.    Tumour follow-up

2.    Radiotherapy planning

3.    Arthroplasty follow-up

4.    Progression of lung disease

5.    Notifiable diseases

6.    Paediatrics


As archiving moves from patient (or clinician) held film to electronic media, there will need to be discussion between relevant stakeholders as to the appropriate length and extent of archiving, which will, as a minimum, need to be in line with local statutatory authority requirements.

Details of storage and archiving are also addressed n the following publications and should be reviewed in conjunction with this document:

  1. RACS sponsored Multidisciplinary Digital Imaging Consensus Statement
  2. RANZCR Principles for the Provision of Digital Diagnostic Images 
  3. ADIA  Code of Practice
  4. Relevant local regulatory documents - relating to conduct and reimbursement for diagnostic imaging services specific to the locality of practice, and to local legal requirements for document retention.




   
 
 
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