Advances in medical imaging technology have empowered caregivers to provide more accurate, less invasive treatment and drive better outcomes for patients, hospitals, and clinics. However, those who develop, design, and use medical imaging equipment sometimes overlook the human factor, which can render even the most innovative machines useless. This series examines why the human factor is critical to successful medical imaging, beginning with commonly overlooked challenges.

Improper Positioning Causes Imperfect Images

This oversight highlights a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked in the development of medical imaging technology. While OEMs excel in creating cutting-edge solutions that allow for deeper insights into the human body, the practical application of these technologies can be hindered by challenges in patient positioning.

A prime example of this is seen in a Michigan clinic's acquisition of a state-of-the-art breast coil for their MRI machine. This advanced coil promised high-resolution 4D imaging capabilities for the breast, axilla, and chest wall, revolutionizing diagnostic and interventional planning for cancer screenings, biopsies, and personalized treatment plans. However, the clinic soon discovered that the technology was limited by its inability to accommodate patients who did not fit the device properly, leading to subpar image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

In the pursuit of innovation, OEMS need to consider the practical implications of their technology on patient care. By addressing the human factor in medical imaging design, manufacturers can ensure that their advancements are not only groundbreaking but also accessible and effective in real-world healthcare settings.

Patient Discomfort Causes Image Artifacts and Poor Experiences

Patient discomfort not only hampers the quality of medical images but also poses significant challenges for caregivers in accurately diagnosing and treating patients. When patients are uncomfortable during imaging procedures, they may involuntarily move, leading to artifacts that obscure critical tissues and structures. This can make it extremely challenging for healthcare providers to make accurate assessments and develop effective treatment plans.

Furthermore, the fear and anxiety associated with experiencing pain and discomfort during medical imaging procedures can exacerbate an already stressful situation for patients. This can result in patients delaying or avoiding necessary imaging tests, which can have serious implications for their health outcomes. Early detection is crucial for effectively treating conditions like breast cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Any delays in diagnosis due to patient discomfort can significantly impact patient outcomes and survival rates.

Medical imaging technologies need to prioritize patient comfort and minimize discomfort during procedures. By addressing the human factor in the design and implementation of imaging equipment, healthcare providers can not only improve the patient experience but also enhance the quality and accuracy of diagnostic imaging. This, in turn, can lead to better healthcare outcomes and ultimately save lives.

Patients undergoing MRI scans with the advanced breast coil at the Michigan clinic faced a myriad of challenges due to design oversights. The rigid plastic housing exerted intense pressure on their sternums, leading to painful bruising and discomfort in the ribs that lingered long after the imaging session. Additionally, the ill-fitting face pad not only caused patients' noses to uncomfortably collide with the mirror but also left them feeling embarrassed and flustered post-procedure. To exacerbate matters, the unstable sternum pad failed to provide the necessary support, causing patients to struggle to maintain a still position throughout the prolonged scanning duration. These physical discomforts not only hindered the capture of clear and accurate images but also left patients with lasting physical and emotional distress, highlighting the critical importance of addressing the human factor in medical imaging equipment design.

Neglecting the Human Factor Wastes Investment & Risks Patient Health

The Michigan clinic's investment in cutting-edge medical imaging technology was meant to revolutionize patient care and enhance diagnostic capabilities. However, the excitement quickly turned to frustration as caregivers struggled to position patients comfortably and efficiently with the new equipment. Despite reaching out to the manufacturer for guidance, the OEM's expertise in imaging technology fell short when it came to addressing the human element of patient interaction.

As a result, the clinic found itself in a challenging situation where the advanced technology they had invested in remained largely unused. This not only led to financial losses for the clinic but also posed a risk to its reputation. Patients who experienced discomfort during imaging procedures were unlikely to return, and their negative experiences could deter others from seeking care at the clinic. Without the ability to effectively utilize the new technology, the clinic was unable to market its services as intended, leaving the state-of-the-art breast coil idle and gathering dust.

Most importantly, the oversight in designing the equipment for optimal patient comfort had a direct impact on patient health outcomes. The primary goal of early detection and treatment for conditions like breast cancer was compromised by the inability to effectively use the technology. Patients were left in a vulnerable position, missing out on potentially life-saving screenings and interventions due to the equipment's lack of human-centric design.

This scenario serves as a poignant example of the critical importance of considering the human factor in the development and implementation of medical imaging technology. Without prioritizing patient comfort and usability, even the most advanced technology risks becoming obsolete and ineffective in real-world healthcare settings. Caregivers and OEMs must work together to ensure that technological advancements align with the needs and experiences of patients, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes and enhanced quality of care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the human factor plays a crucial role in the success of medical imaging technology. By prioritizing patient comfort, usability, and practicality in design, manufacturers can ensure that their advancements are not only groundbreaking but also accessible and effective in real-world healthcare settings. The case study of the Michigan clinic highlights the potential pitfalls of neglecting the human element in imaging equipment, leading to wasted investments, compromised patient health outcomes, and poor experiences for both caregivers and patients. Moving forward, OEMs and caregivers need to work together to address the human factor in medical imaging technology, ultimately leading to improved healthcare outcomes and enhanced quality of care. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series to delve deeper into how human-centric design can unlock the full potential of technological advancements in medical imaging.

Next Step

Advanced medical imaging technology offers no value if caregivers and patients can’t use it. OEMs and caregivers should consider the human factor when designing and introducing new technologies. Read Part 2 of this series to discover how human-centric design enables OEMs, caregivers, and patients to take full advantage of technological advancements.