Radiology

Workflow Efficiency and Patient Comfort

Medical imaging, including CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine are crucial for clinicians and patients in ensuring accurate diagnoses and guiding care plans. In the U.S., around 50% to 67% of hospitalized patients undergo some form of diagnostic imaging during their stay. However, obtaining these images can present significant challenges for both staff and patients due to difficulties with patient positioning, staffing shortages, and pain associated with certain positioning requirements.¹

• Navigating Patient Positioning with One Caregiver – Due to staffing constraints, some imaging procedures may need to be performed with only one caregiver, which increases the risk of caregiver injury or patient falls. However, assistive positioning devices can help reduce these risks by facilitating the positioning of patients who would typically require additional staff or support.

• Avoiding Artifact – When selecting products to assist patients in the Radiology Department, it is essential to carefully assess the material- to prevent artifact on the images. To enhance workflow efficiency and improve patient turnover, prioritize products that can remain under the patient throughout the imaging process, allowing for uninterrupted procedures.

• Achieving Patient Comfort During Imaging – Given some imaging procedures are lengthy or require the patient to remain still in a compromised position, patient comfort should be regularly prioritized. Tools like air assisted devices can enhance comfort while also facilitating smoother lateral transfers for caregivers.

Future Implications

With the ever-aging population and increase in technological advances, specifically cancer therapy, imaging will continue to be a robust industry over the coming years. The healthcare industry plans to embrace more advanced technologies like 3D imaging, AI-driven diagnostics, and precision medicine to improve accuracy and efficiency in treatment planning.

¹Smith-Bindman, R., Miglioretti, D. L., & Johnson, E. (2019). Use of diagnostic imaging in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. JAMA, 322(8), 810-812. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.11456