Computers in radiology departments

It is only a few years since computers were essentially regarded by the public as complicated machines used only by banks, major industrial concerns and research establishments. But the situation is changing rapidly to one where in every household the computer will sit alongside the video tape recorder and the television set. Every schoolchild is now taught how to use computers and elementary keyboard operation skills. They are pervasive throughout our society. A tremendous development of their use by small businesses has occurred where this would not have been considered cost effective only a few years ago. However, it is only with the publication of the “White Paper” on the most recent reorganization of the Health Service that the importance of introducing computers for information management has ultimately been recognized as central to the effective management of the Health Service. It appears that the financial implications of such developments have also been accepted. Radiologists in this country have been trying to acquire computing systems for their departments for many years now, and many have been effective, but there is still a large core of individuals who