Realize productivity gains in MRI
- By Philips
- August 29 2024
- 3 min read
White Paper - Realizing productivity gains in MRI
The root causes of MRI procedural inefficiency, which can lead to 20% of all scans being inadequate, should not be accepted or countered with sedation. Philips has examples of better and more efficient ways of dealing with stress and motion. A positive patient experience is associated with clinical effectiveness. Patients who feel comfortable and secure make it easier for staff to acquire high-quality images.
At-a-glance:
- MRI efficiency survey conducted across the globe
- Anxiety found to be the predominate cause for patient motion during exam
- Improving the patient experience helps reduce anxiety and leads to higher quality images
- Use of Philips Ambient Experience can result in 70% reduction in rescans
Gathering the consensus of MRI experts
Philips commissioned an external agency to conduct a study about MRI efficiency across four regions: USA, Germany, Middle East and UK. 40 specialists who worked on 98 MRI scanners participated.
Although the radiologists and radiographers interviewed reported a relatively high degree of contentment with the efficiency of MRI procedures, they also reported considerable issues with efficiency.
One overriding issue
100% of those surveyed globally suggested that patient motion/motion-induce artifacts were a frequently reported cause of poor exams and inefficiency.
- 74% said this resulted in decreased image quality
- 70% noted the possibility of the exam not being suitable for diagnostic purposes
- 55% saw an increase in the time to carry out the scan
The reason for patient motion most frequently mentioned was anxiety. This was reported to cause patient motion almost twice as often as pain or claustrophobia. 28% of all patients undergoing MRI scans were said to suffer from anxiety.
As healthcare professionals, we have an obligation to look at the whole patient, not just the images. We must consider the entire experience, and I believe every patient deserves a positive one.
Peter Curatolo
Radiologist
Beverly Hospital
Supporting the patient
Philips Ambient Experience turns exam rooms into environments that offer a multi-sensorial experience that calms patients undergoing imaging studies. When patients enter the room, they should feel reassured and welcomed. The dynamic elements of Ambient Experience, both visual and audio, are designed to provide positive and active distraction.
With Philips Ambient Experience In-bore Connect, engaging visuals are displayed on a screen, and can be seen via a mirror strategically positioned on the head coil. Patients can also listen to music/sound through accompanying headphones.
The combination of visual experience, comforting guidance and reduced noise may help increase satisfaction and compliance. From the moment a patient is moved into the scanner (the point at which they report the most stress) through to completion of the scan, Ambient Experience In-bore Connect encourages them to relax, follow directions and remain as motionless as possible.
Improved MRI productivity
The Herlev Hospital in Denmark reported a 70% reduction in rescans as a result of implementing a patient-centric technology featuring an audiovisual in-bore experience. Other institutions report similar results.
Such solutions may meet the expected growing desire of patients to play a positive and more active role in their diagnosis and treatment. Hospitals and diagnostic centers should bear this in mind when investing in equipment like MRI scanners, now and in the future.
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Disclaimer
Results are specific to the institution where they were obtained and may not reflect the results achievable at other institutions. Results in other cases may vary.