European PACS Market Expected To Double Within Six Years

The value of the European Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) market is expected to be elevated up to the double over the next six years, due to the increased demand for Radiology Information Systems (RIS). New analysis from Frost and Sullivan European RIS/PACS Market, finds that the market was valued at €535m ($679m) in 2009 and estimates this to reach €1065m ($1,353m) in 2016. Although the use of PACS in European hospitals is 80%, yet the RIS systems that drive PACS covers only about 41% of the hospitals. According to a new report by industry analysts Frost and Sullivan, legacy RIS modules dominate the market. The report clarified that many hospitals are not enthusiastic to implement a new RIS due to the problems associated with training a large group of staff as well as concerns over data transfer and security issues. However, with the third generation of PACS implementation which takes place now  in many institutions, hospitals have recognized the importance of investing in a modern RIS.