For radiology professionals, balancing efficiency and patient comfort is a daily challenge. A calm, comfortable patient leads to better imaging and fewer retakes. So, how can you make the radiology experience more reassuring? It starts with small details, like the right medical gown, smart positioning aids, and stress-reducing techniques.
Your Choice of Medical Gown Makes a Difference
The choice of medical gowns used in patient imaging is frequently underestimated, yet it significantly impacts patient confidence and comfort. In 2022, a qualitative study explored patient experiences with hospital gowns and found that many patients reported feelings of discomfort and embarrassment, citing that an inadequate gown often compromised their dignity and heightened anxiety during medical procedures.
We've all witnessed or personally experienced this struggle - trying to maintain modesty while wearing an oversized, flimsy gown. Full-coverage wrap gowns offer security and dignity, making patients feel more at ease, particularly when transitioning between rooms or waiting in common areas.
Choosing to offer high-quality gowns that prioritize both modesty and accessibility can go a long way in reducing patient anxiety while keeping exams efficient. Of course, there are times when easy access to imaging areas is necessary. Split-front or shoulder-snap gowns streamline procedures while still respecting patient dignity. It’s all about striking a balance. Patients should never feel exposed, but technologists also need gowns that don’t slow them down.
Attention to Comfort During Imaging: Small Adjustments, Big Impact
Patient discomfort is a frequent challenge during mammograms and other extended imaging procedures.
Implementing a protective coverlet, such as Bella Blankets® over the receptor plate during a patient's mammogram helps alleviate this issue by minimizing contact with cold, rigid surfaces, and enhancing overall patient comfort. This makes the procedure more tolerable for patients and aids technologists in achieving more accurate positioning and a smoother workflow.
Because Bella Blankets® protective coverlets provide a soft, protective barrier between the patient and the imaging equipment, they help minimize discomfort and prevent skin tears during mammography. These coverlets not only enhance patient comfort by eliminating the cold, hard feel of the receptor plate but also assist in optimal positioning by allowing technologists to position patients as close to the chest wall as possible, which may lead to improved image quality and a reduced need for repeat imaging, ultimately making the experience more positive for both patients and radiology professionals.
Managing Patient Anxiousness with Aromatherapy
All imaging exams can be nerve-wracking, especially for first-time patients or those undergoing
MRIs. Creating a calming environment is key to helping patients relax and get a good image.
Clinical aromatherapy is one way to reduce anxiousness without disrupting workflow. Elequil Aromatabs® aromatherapy are essential oil-infused adhesive tabs designed to be worn on a patient's gown. They provide a noninvasive way to promote relaxation during imaging procedures. These clinically tested aromatherapy tabs come in aromas such as lavender and lavender sandalwood which encourage a sense of calm, and lavender-peppermint, which helps ease anxiousness and queasiness.
Imaging centers incorporating Elequil Aromatabs® report increased patient cooperation, reduced stress levels, and an overall smoother imaging process for patients and technologists.
Enhancing Workflow and Efficiency in Radiology
Creating a comfortable and patient-friendly radiology experience benefits patients and leads to a more efficient workflow for technologists and staff. When patients feel at ease, they are more likely to remain still during imaging procedures, reducing motion artifacts and minimizing the need for repeat scans. This improves image quality and saves time and resources for radiology departments.
By reducing patient discomfort and anxiety, radiology teams can work more efficiently, stay on schedule, and focus on delivering high-quality imaging with minimal delays. A well-thought-out approach to patient comfort ultimately enhances the overall efficiency of the imaging facility, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers alike.
Building a More Patient-Centered Radiology Experience
Ultimately, ensuring patient comfort leads to greater cooperation. Simple changes can significantly enhance the imaging experience. Providing a cozy blanket, maintaining clear communication, and offering a comforting presence from technologists all contribute to an improved patient experience. As radiology evolves, so must our dedication to patient-centered care. By implementing thoughtful strategies, we can foster a more supportive and stress-free environment for patients.
Megan Sargalski
Marketing Communications Specialist
