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However, it is also widely acknowledged in the literature that hospital-wide implementation of medical imaging is challenging and risky, particularly when there are financial and manpower constraints. Whilst substantial investment has been made to computerize hospital information systems globally, in practice, there are still many unsuccessful implementation projects. In one case study situated in the Limpopo Province in South Africa, a lack of understanding about the complexity of the project and the health culture were identified among the factors that contributed to the failure of the project that cost nearly £14 million. Nevertheless several developing nations have actively deployed the technology in their community hospitals. In this paper, we examine the growing trends in medical imaging deployment worldwide. Medical imaging is defined as an information system application that consists of a number of technological components particularly imaging modalities, PACS (Picture Archiving Communication System), RIS (Radiology Information System) and HIS (Hospital Information System) which are linked and interfaced through a computer network. In hospital radiology service, RIS facilitates patient radiology examination scheduling, assists in tracking patient data and information, and permits online radiology diagnostic reporting, whilst HIS supports hospital administrative tasks such as patient registration, discharge and billing. PACS on the other hand is a system that specializes in the acquisition, storage, processing, and distribution of radiographic image data. Patient radiographic images are obtained via the use of imaging modality. Examples of imaging modalities include CT scanners, ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), General X-Ray etc. Medical imaging also offers the potential to be further reconfigured to support teleradiology activities, through which the benefits of the application can be extended to other organizations. This paper in particular aims to highlight key issues and what lessons can be learned from the current trends in medical imaging implementation in the context of developing countries.

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