MOBILE X-RAY SOLUTIONS
Foreword T
he X-ray unit is changing. It is becoming
for radiologists trying to make a diagnosis. This
more mobile with the ability to get out into the
increases the risk of error and also leads to more
community. Doing so has enormous benefits for
rescans. Inevitably, patient outcomes suffer, and
patients and staff, but it requires a fresh approach
expenses grow.
to design.
The good news is that technology is on the move.
Our opening two articles come from Solutions for
Images are becoming clearer and in the future
tomorrow who provide the cutting edge !M1 mobile
radiologists will have more tools at their disposal
X-ray Unit. As we’ll discover, this is ground-breaking
to support the decision-making process such as
in a number of ways. First it transitions from a
artificial intelligence (AI).
traditional lead acid battery to a lithium-based battery
Finally, Jo Roth will examine some of the issues
similar to those used in the automotive industry. This
hospitals need to consider when choosing mobile
gives it a much longer battery life with much faster
X-ray units. Aside from just mobility there are
charging than their competitors. It reduces the time
issues such as design, hygiene and even aesthetics,
needed to prepare the device. Just 30 minutes of
all of which have important roles to play in delivering
charging gives it several hours of operation and
better care.
allows it to deliver 24/7 availability.
Greater mobility in X-rays is one of those features
As they go on to demonstrate, longer battery life
which plays into the future direction of healthcare. It
also paves the way for what they call ‘True X-ray
creates a bridge between primary and secondary
Mobility®’, as they take the unit outside of the hospital.
care and brings technology which would have
One high profile project recently saw them using that
required a visit to the radiology department direct to
mobility for the World Rally Cross Championships.
the patient. It can save money, improve outcomes and
But on a more mundane day to day level, it will
make patients more comfortable and satisfied with
see the device taken to care homes and primary
their treatment. As such, it’s one of those technologies
care centres to create the more integrated care that
which will shape the future of healthcare.
health services are looking for. Elsewhere in this Report, we’ll look at the importance of image quality. Poor images make it more difficult
Tom Cropper Editor
Tom Cropper has produced articles and reports on various aspects of global business over the past 15 years. He has also worked as a copywriter for some of the largest corporations in the world, including ANZ Bank, ING and KPMG.
2 | WWW.HOSPITALREPORTS.EU
