Abstract:

Background: Picture, Archiving, And Communication Systems (PACS) is a crucial medical imaging technology that digitally stores and reports medical imaging examinations. PACS positively impacts clinical decision-making and medical imaging education. User acceptance, particularly perceived usefulness, is vital for successful PACS implementation. Resource-limited settings have seen cost savings and improved access to imaging services with PACS adoption.

Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS) in Mwanza, Tanzania, targeting undergraduate Doctor of Medicine students (3rd to 5th year). Data was collected from 256 students using fixed questionnaires, including Likert scale and multiple-choice questions. STATA statistical software was used for data analysis, categorizing results based on knowledge, attitude towards PACS, and factors influencing knowledge.

Results and Discussion: The study involved 256 medical students, with 33.2% in the 3rd year, 41.8% in the 4th year, and 25% in the 5th year. Gender distribution was 37.5% female and 62.5% male. Knowledge assessment scores were categorized into Excellent (16 occurrences), Good (71 occurrences), Satisfactory (71 occurrences), and Poor (78 occurrences). Attitude towards PACS was measured using a 5-point Likert scale, with 141 respondents showing a positive attitude, 113 neutral, and 2 negative. Factors influencing attitude included education, training, experience, perceived benefits, and peer interactions. The F-test revealed a highly significant difference among the means of the variables (p-value = 0.0000).

Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for targeted educational interventions and improvements in PACS usability to enhance knowledge and foster positive attitudes among medical students. Healthcare institutions can benefit from better-trained future medical professionals, leading to improved patient care and health outcomes.