Why the Human Factor is Critical to Successful Medical Imaging, Part 2: Human-Centric Design Considerations

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series on how human-centric design fosters medical imaging success. Part 1 detailed how overlooking the human factor renders imaging equipment useless. In Part 2, we’ll explore ways to address common imaging issues with human-centric design.

Human-centric design is integral to successful medical imaging as overlooking the human factor leads to patient discomfort, poor image quality, and wasted investment. Here are ways to address those issues with human-centric design for medical imaging devices.

Patient Positioning

No matter how advanced a given technology is, it’s only effective it if can access the anatomy it’s supposed to image. OEMs and designers should consider the human form factor not as an average of the population, but as a range of different people. In other words, equipment should be designed to accommodate people of various shapes and sizes.

An MRI breast coil, for example, needs to capture accurate imaging for all patients, not just those of average height, weight, and shape. The device should be designed so that:

• Patient anatomy aligns with the imaging field

• Folds do not form by the breast becoming abnormally compressed by the coil edge

• The nipple is correctly positioned directly below the breast, making it easier to locate lesions and correlate MRI images with ultrasound and mammogram images

The reality is that many imaging devices are designed with one-size-fits-all approaches that make it difficult for caregivers to properly position patients.

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how a Michigan clinic was unable to use its revolutionary MRI breast coil due to patient discomfort and positioning difficulties – the one-size-fits-all pad did not accommodate most patients, and the face pad was too short, causing some patients’ noses to hit the mirror. Part of the solution involved developing interchangeable pads of various sizes to comfortably position patients of all body types.

Patient Comfort

Patients come in all shapes and sizes, and it is essential that medical imaging devices can accommodate this diversity. By overlooking the individual needs of patients, discomfort and pain can arise, hindering the imaging process. When machines are designed with only the average person in mind, patients may struggle to remain still during imaging, leading to blurry or unusable images. This not only frustrates caregivers but also delays diagnoses and treatment plans.

To address these challenges, OEMs and designers must prioritize the human experience when developing medical imaging equipment. Testing devices with a diverse group of individuals is key to understanding the unique needs and preferences of patients. By collecting feedback on any discomfort or pain points, designers can tailor solutions to enhance patient comfort during imaging procedures.

Furthermore, re-testing with patients of varying shapes and sizes ensures that the proposed solutions effectively address their needs. This iterative process may involve multiple rounds of adjustments until all patients can comfortably undergo imaging without experiencing any pain or discomfort. By taking a human-centric approach to design, medical imaging equipment can provide a more positive and seamless experience for both patients and caregivers alike.

The process might require multiple rounds of testing and patient feedback before you find the perfect solution. If it seems like everyone prefers different options, you likely need multiple versions of your solution, such as different-sized pads or spacers.

In our MRI breast coil example, patients reported that a rigid plastic housing caused sternum and nauseating rib pain that lasted for hours after the test. The clinic was able to resolve those issues with broader pads that raised the hips to relieve sternum and rib pressure. Spacers allowed caregivers to set the pad height according to each individual patient’s preferences.

The pad material was also reimagined. Where the original pad employed single open cell foam that allowed patients to “bottom out,” the redesigned pads featured a stack-up of memory foam for comfort and closed cell foam for support, covered in a breathable medical fabric. The pads relieved pressure and eliminated pain, and patients were able to comfortably lay stationery for the 30 to 45 minutes required to complete an MRI.

Imaging Compatibility

Additionally, it is crucial for patient positioning systems to not only be compatible with the imaging equipment but also to enhance the overall patient experience. For instance, when designing pads for MRI machines, it is imperative to consider not only their nonferrous properties but also their comfort and support for patients. The material selection should not only prevent interference with the magnetic field but also promote patient comfort and stability during the imaging process.

Moreover, armboards and table extenders used for image-guided therapy must not only be radiolucent to ensure clear image visualization but also ergonomically designed to reduce patient discomfort and facilitate accurate positioning. By incorporating these aspects into the design of positioning systems, healthcare facilities can not only ensure optimal image quality but also enhance patient comfort and satisfaction.

By focusing on strategic material selection and ergonomic design, the Michigan clinic was able to transform the patient experience during MRI procedures. Patients no longer experienced discomfort or pain during imaging, allowing them to remain still for the duration of the procedure. This improvement not only benefitted the patients but also streamlined the imaging process for caregivers, resulting in clearer and higher-quality images for accurate diagnoses.

Ultimately, prioritizing patient positioning, comfort, and imaging compatibility not only enhances the overall medical imaging experience but also underscores the importance of human-centric design in healthcare technology. The success of the Michigan clinic serves as a testament to the value of designing imaging equipment with the patient in mind, leading to improved outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Conclusion

In conclusion, human-centric design plays a crucial role in the success of medical imaging equipment by addressing common issues such as patient positioning, comfort, and imaging compatibility. By prioritizing the human experience, designers can create devices that accommodate the diverse needs of patients, resulting in clearer images, accurate diagnoses, and improved patient satisfaction. The case study of the Michigan clinic highlights the transformative impact of human-centric design on the imaging process. To learn more about the benefits of human-centric design in healthcare technology, be sure to check out Part 3 of this series. Stay tuned for further insights on how placing the patient at the center of design leads to better outcomes and enhanced experiences in medical imaging.

Next Step

Learn more about the benefits of human-centric design in Part 3 of this series.