by
John R. Fischer, Senior Reporter | September 05, 2022
From the September 2022 issue of HealthCare Business News magazine
“If you imagine a traditional MR suite without patient experience design, it's usually cluttered, cold and clinical-feeling, which can increase anxiety in an already intimidating situation for many,” she said. “In contrast, our Caring MR Suite solutions take into consideration the entire MR suite experience to positively engage the patient's senses in a soothing, personalized experience of their choice from the moment they enter the suite.”
Hornbrook says he expects in the next few years to see this experience begin even sooner, with patients able to start watching movies or listen to music from small devices the moment they check in at the front desk.

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He also says that these experiences may eventually be accessible in one’s home. "Scanners are getting smaller, one company has portable scanners that will fit in an elevator. You're going to be able to stay in your hospital room. Eventually, we might be able to bring a portable MR scanner to your house, scan you there, put it back in a van and drive away. Patient satisfaction and patient comfort are going to be the way things are done, going forward.”
Manufacturers are also working to create new solutions to add to their existing portfolios. MRIaudio is developing an in-bore video entertainment system, as well as an MR alert system with a squeezable alarm that patients can use to get the technologist’s attention.
And Resonance Technology is in the midst of creating a curved flat screen that will stretch across the entire tunnel of the MR scanner and not require the patient to wear goggles. “The patient will no longer feel like they are in a tunnel because they are watching a movie. It will look like they are outside the tunnel. It depends on what you show them. It’s going to be more relaxing,” said Ziarati.
These changes in process and technology are already affecting providers and making them more aware of the significant role that patient experience plays in the MR imaging experience, says Mathieu. "Hospitals are now putting CXO's (chief experience officers) in place to focus on enhancing the patient experience across the entire facility to help increase their HCAHPS scores, which, in turn, means higher reimbursement dollars.”
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