Humanizing breakthroughs

The team tackled this challenge by putting both the user and the patient at the center of design decisions – discussing steps and features with representatives from these groups.

One wish that is regularly expressed by staff is that the system should be intuitive to use and at the same time less intimidating for patients. For the patient, this also means easy access to the exam position, for example via a low and easily adjustable table position. The lowest table height of 32 centimeters also makes it easy for staff to help their patients transfer to the system.

Patient anxiety is another issue that can impede exam results. Besides the well-structured system and the smooth-opening funnel, an additional lighting system at the gantry aims to help patients feel at ease during the scan.

Embedded hygienic design principles such as reduced detail complexity and slanting surfaces allow for proper cleaning of the system. This has always been an important requirement, even more so in times of COVID-19.

What has been promised on the hardware design level has to be continued coherently on the software and user interface level. Imaging systems from Siemens Healthineers feature a coherent usability concept and unified interfaces across all modalities. Built-in expertise guides the users through exams and helps them interact intuitively and naturally with the system. This simplifies users’ tasks greatly and helps them to tap the full potential of the technology.

However, new functionalities required certain adaptations to the user interface. Features such as workspace-specific design, patient-centric navigation, and an integrated desktop-to-mobile support with tablet computers are key contributors to the photon-counting CT workflow.

Users who are not yet experienced in spectral imaging receive automated suggestions as to which spectral imaging settings are appropriate for which patient. These are based on the procedure and patient characteristics. They help them find the optimal combination of acquisition and reconstruction parameters for standardized results. Depending on factors such as patient size, expected compliance with breathing instructions, or indication, the protocol settings are automatically adapted.

Experienced users can configure these protocols fast and intuitively themselves. In this expert mode, they benefit from high flexibility in modifying the predefined protocols as well as from the option to integrate their knowledge into standardized protocols and make them available to all users across their institution.

As mentioned, the gantry itself also features easy-to-use touch interfaces that can be operated by the technologist while staying at the patient’s side to prepare the actual exam and protocols on the system. The tablet mirrors the functionalities and user interface of the workstation in the control room. Technologists do not have to run back and forth between the system and the control room but can talk to the patients and calm them down if they are nervous or they can clarify instructions if patients do not understand them immediately.