Imaging Informatics: An Introduction

Imaging Informatics: An Introduction by Euclid Seeram, Mark McEntee and Kori L Stewart positions itself as a foundational text for a rapidly evolving discipline that sits at the intersection of clinical imaging, IT infrastructure and data science. Published by Elsevier in 2026, the book delivers a structured overview of core domains including PACS/MIMPS, digital image processing and health information systems, while also acknowledging contemporary drivers such as cloud computing and AI. From an NHS imaging informatics perspective, this breadth is both its primary strength and its central limitation.

The text succeeds in establishing a coherent baseline for readers entering the field, particularly radiographers, imaging ICT engineers and early-career informatics practitioners. Its progression from fundamental IT concepts through to imaging-specific systems reflects a pedagogically sound approach, mirroring how many NHS professionals organically acquire knowledge: from infrastructure, to systems integration, to clinical application. The inclusion of enterprise imaging and professional organisations is especially relevant given the NHS’s ongoing shift towards integrated care systems and vendor-neutral archive strategies. However, the treatment of these areas appears descriptive rather than critically evaluative; there is limited interrogation of real-world implementation challenges such as interoperability constraints, legacy system debt or vendor lock-in, issues that dominate UK practice.

Critically, while the book references emerging technologies such as AI and big data, it does so at a conceptual level. For a 2026 publication, one would expect deeper engagement with deployment realities – model governance, ethical AI in diagnostics and regulatory frameworks such as UKCA marking and NHS AI Lab guidance. The absence of detailed case studies or operational exemplars reduces its utility for experienced practitioners seeking to bridge theory and service delivery. In contrast, the discussion of image management systems (eg PACS versus MIMPS) is solid but arguably conservative, reflecting a global academic perspective rather than the nuanced, often fragmented ecosystem encountered across NHS trusts.

In summary, this is a well constructed introductory text that fulfils its stated aim of providing “a foundational understanding of essential technologies.” It is most valuable as an educational scaffold or onboarding resource rather than a practitioner’s manual. For NHS imaging informatics professionals operating at Band 7 and above, its contribution lies less in advancing expertise and more in reinforcing core principles. To remain truly relevant in today’s landscape, future editions would benefit from deeper critical analysis, UK-centric case studies, and a more applied treatment of digital transformation challenges within complex healthcare systems.

To purchase this title at our discounted rate email: katherine@radmagazine.com.