Optimizing Imaging Systems for Multiple Procedures, Part 1: Benefits for Patients, Staff & Hospitals

With advancements in image-guided therapy (IGT) and hybrid operating rooms (ORs), it’s critical for hospitals to stay on the cutting edge to remain competitive and provide the best patient care. Traditional image labs are designed with narrow scopes, accommodating just one procedure or discipline, but hospitals are seeking ways to get more out of their multi-million-dollar investments while driving better outcomes.

There is a new way of thinking, a philosophy of flexibility, where a single imaging lab can accommodate multiple specialties and types of procedures. These multi-procedure imaging suites offer substantial benefits to patients, staff and hospitals. This five-part series details why more hospitals are optimizing imaging systems for multiple procedures.

7 Benefits to Optimizing Imaging Systems for Multiple Procedures

Optimizing imaging systems for multiple procedures enhances the patient experience, streamlines the hybrid OR, and increases hospital profitability. Here are seven factors that drive those beneficial outcomes.

1. Procedure flexibility

Hospitals can conduct more types of procedures in the same space. Rooms and labs are no longer limited to a single discipline, expanding usability and patient access. Instead of needing twelve different rooms for twelve different procedures, hospitals can conduct the same (or more) procedures with just six rooms, for example.

2. Increased efficiency

IGT accessories and attachments allow staff to quickly convert rooms between procedures. For example, the same room could be used for a cardiology procedure, then converted for an interventional radiology procedure between patients.

3. Intraprocedural flexibility

Care teams can instantly switch between imaging and therapy during procedures, conduct multiple procedures during the same surgery, or even transition from a minimally invasive surgery to an open surgery without leaving the room.

4. Scheduling flexibility

Since rooms can accommodate multiple procedures, hospitals can eliminate long waits for dedicated spaces to become available. If interventional radiology is struggling to keep up with cancer biopsies, for example, they can be conducted in the cath lab to meet demand.

5. Enhanced patient comfort and safety

Multi-discipline imaging suites are outfitted with versatile positioning aids that keep patients comfortable and safe during various procedures. Radiolucent patient interface devices allow caregivers to obtain high-quality images at reduced radiation levels. Bariatric table extenders accommodate larger patients, and padded wedges and rolls prevent pressure injuries.

6. Community health

With multi-procedure capabilities, hospitals can use more available space and reduce wait times for diagnosis and treatment. In some cases, caregivers can image, diagnose and treat patients on the same day. Ultimately, optimizing imaging systems for multiple procedures enables hospitals to treat more patients in less time, contributing to overall community health.

7. Maximize ROI

Since rooms are fully utilized and rarely sit idle, hospitals can get more out of their fixed costs. They can also combine service lines and pool funds to expand their capabilities, serve more patients faster, and increase revenue.

Next steps

Discover how optimizing imaging systems for multiple procedures enhances the patient experience in Part 2 of this series.