Key considerations for workflow and technologist satisfaction when investing in portable X-ray

The new frontier of X-ray is rapidly developing, and as such, it’s become 
increasingly important—and complex—for buying committees to determine precisely what measurements they should use to make decisions on new and upgraded X-ray equipment.

Driving workflow improvements across your X-ray department can deliver gains in technologist experience, department efficiency, and patient experience.

Consider looking in unexpected places to find workflow efficiencies. The system itself isn’t the only area to drive workflow efficiencies. Innovations around image quality can reduce post-exam processing time by the technologist, easing some of the pressure in high-throughput facilities.

Radiologic technologists have a high rate of on-the-job injuries—everything from back injuries and shoulder pain to hand and wrist problems. The repetitive movements and heavy lifting while positioning patients can create strain over time. In fact, nearly one-third of practicing radiologists in the U.S. report job-related lower back pain.¹ X-ray systems that are designed to be easier to move and intuitive to use provide a better experience.

Questions to ask prospective vendors about workflow and technologist satisfaction:

• What impact does this system have on my technologists?
• What is the training program post-purchase?
• Is there a significant change to workflow?
• How quickly will my team adjust to those changes?
• Can detectors move from room to room without requiring a service technician or bio med?
• Can detectors charge in the wall and bucky tables in the room? In the bins on a portable system?
• How fast can you preview images, see final images, reprocess, and complete your exams?
• How easy is it to drive the portable system to various clinical areas, e.g., ED, OR, Surgery, NICU, Outpatient Centers?
• How easy is it for technologists to use?
• Can technologists seamlessly transfer between different types of systems with minimal retraining?

Resources:

1. Source: Radiology Business, Anicka Slachta, March 23, 2018.