Futuristic PACS interface enhancing pathology workflow

Streamlining Pathology: How Advanced User Interfaces are Revolutionizing Medical Imaging

Samir D’Costa in Tech & Innovation December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how user-centered design in Pathology Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS) is enhancing workflows and improving diagnostic accuracy for medical professionals."

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the integration of cutting-edge information technology is paramount. Hospitals are increasingly reliant on advanced computer systems to manage patient data, streamline administrative tasks, and enhance clinical examinations. Among these systems, the Pathology Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) plays a pivotal role in storing, retrieving, and interpreting medical images.

While the adoption of medical information systems like Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Order Communication Systems (OCS) has grown, there's a pressing need to focus on user experience. Historically, healthcare systems have prioritized functionality over user-friendliness, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors. User experience encompasses the holistic interaction with a system, emphasizing ease of use and overall satisfaction.

The Pathology PACS is no exception. Designed to manage pathology images and data, its effectiveness hinges on a well-designed user interface. Pathologists interact with these systems daily, making it crucial to optimize workflows and enhance efficiency. This article delves into how user-centered design principles can transform Pathology PACS, improving usability and contributing to better patient outcomes.

The Imperative of User-Centered Design in Pathology PACS

Futuristic PACS interface enhancing pathology workflow

Traditional Pathology PACS have often been developed with a primary focus on technical functionality, overlooking the critical aspect of user experience. This can lead to systems that are cumbersome, difficult to navigate, and prone to errors. Recognizing the importance of this issue, a study was conducted at Seoul National University Hospital to analyze and improve the user interface of their Pathology PACS.

The study employed a comprehensive approach, combining interface analysis with task analysis. Researchers observed pathologists using the system in real-world scenarios, recording their workflows and identifying pain points. This observational data was then used to propose a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.

Hierarchical Task Analysis: The researchers broke down the Pathology PACS workflow into 17 key tasks, ranging from pre-operation steps to image handling and data entry.
Workflow Observation: By watching pathologists interact with the system, the team identified frequently used menu items and areas where the interface could be improved.
User Feedback: Gathering direct input from pathologists ensured that the proposed changes would genuinely address their needs and enhance their daily work.

The findings revealed several key areas for improvement. The existing interface required too many steps for common tasks, navigation was inefficient, and the presentation of information was not always clear. Based on these insights, the researchers proposed a redesigned interface that prioritized ease of use and streamlined workflows. The aim was to create a system that not only met the functional requirements but also enhanced the user experience for pathologists.

Towards a More Efficient Future in Pathology

This study represents a crucial step towards developing medical information systems that prioritize user experience. By focusing on the needs and workflows of pathologists, the proposed user interface for the Pathology PACS has the potential to significantly improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance the overall quality of diagnostic work. As healthcare technology continues to advance, it is essential to remember that user-centered design is not just a luxury, but a necessity for creating systems that truly empower medical professionals and improve patient care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is the primary function of a Pathology Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)?

The Pathology PACS serves as a central repository for storing, retrieving, and interpreting medical images within a healthcare setting. It is a critical component of modern healthcare, designed to manage and provide access to pathology images and associated data, playing a pivotal role in the diagnostic process. Its function is integral to the workflows of pathologists and other healthcare professionals who rely on visual data for their clinical work.

Why is user-centered design crucial for Pathology PACS, and what are the potential benefits?

User-centered design is critical because it prioritizes the needs and workflows of the system's users, namely pathologists. This approach focuses on ease of use, efficiency, and user satisfaction. By incorporating user-centered design principles, the Pathology PACS can significantly improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance the overall quality of diagnostic work. For instance, streamlined navigation and clear information presentation, which result from user-centered design, can save time and improve the accuracy of diagnoses, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

How did the study at Seoul National University Hospital improve the Pathology PACS user interface?

The study at Seoul National University Hospital employed a multi-faceted approach to improve the Pathology PACS user interface. Researchers used interface analysis to assess the existing system. They also conducted a hierarchical task analysis, breaking down the workflow into 17 key tasks. Workflow observation was also implemented to understand how pathologists interact with the system. User feedback was gathered directly from pathologists. This data was used to identify pain points, propose a redesigned interface, and create a more intuitive and user-friendly system. The changes aimed to streamline common tasks, improve navigation, and clarify information presentation, all contributing to a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

What are the key differences between traditional Pathology PACS and those designed with user experience in mind?

Traditional Pathology PACS often prioritize technical functionality over user experience, leading to systems that can be cumbersome and prone to errors. In contrast, user-centered design prioritizes the needs and workflows of pathologists. These systems incorporate principles of ease of use and user satisfaction to create more efficient, intuitive interfaces. The focus shifts from simply storing and retrieving images to optimizing the entire user experience, allowing pathologists to perform their tasks more effectively and reducing the potential for errors in the diagnostic process. This approach results in systems that are easier to navigate, more efficient, and ultimately support better patient care.

Can you describe how Hierarchical Task Analysis, Workflow Observation, and User Feedback were used in the study?

The study at Seoul National University Hospital used a combination of Hierarchical Task Analysis, Workflow Observation, and User Feedback to redesign the Pathology PACS user interface. The Hierarchical Task Analysis broke down the complex workflow into 17 specific tasks to understand the scope of the system. Workflow observation involved watching pathologists use the system in real-world scenarios to identify frequently used features and areas for improvement. Gathering direct user feedback from pathologists ensured that the proposed changes would genuinely address their needs and improve daily work. This comprehensive approach provided a detailed understanding of the existing system's shortcomings and informed the design of a new interface that prioritized usability and efficiency. This process ensures that the final system is not only functional but also supports the practical needs of the users.