Patient-Centered MRI & CT Features That Make a Real Difference

Posted on

When it comes to choosing imaging equipment, it’s easy to get caught up in the specs: slice count, Tesla strength, gradient power, and software packages. But at PrizMED, we always follow up with a more important question:

“What’s it like for the patient?”

Patient comfort and compliance are not just nice extras. They directly impact scan quality, workflow efficiency, and patient satisfaction. If a patient is anxious, uncomfortable, or unable to stay still, it shows in your images and your schedule.

Here are the patient-centered features we highlight most when helping clients evaluate MRI and CT systems.

1. Wide-Bore Designs

Whether you're scanning bariatric, pediatric, claustrophobic, or elderly patients, wide-bore systems improve the overall experience.

  • MRI: 70 cm bores are the standard for wide-bore systems, offering more space without sacrificing image quality.

  • CT: Larger gantry openings improve access and make positioning easier, especially for trauma cases or wheelchair-bound patients.

PrizMED Tip: If you serve a wide variety of patient types, a wide-bore system is one of the best investments you can make.

2. Noise Reduction for MRI

MRI exams can reach noise levels over 110 dB, which can cause anxiety and discomfort for many patients.

Modern systems offer features like:

  • Quiet Suite (Siemens)

  • Whisper Mode (Philips)

  • Sound-dampening panels and soft gradient ramping

These features help keep patients calm, especially during longer scans or in neuro and pediatric settings.

PrizMED Tip: If your patient base includes children, elderly individuals, or those with sensory sensitivities, prioritizing noise reduction can lead to fewer rescans and a better overall experience.

3. In-Bore Entertainment and Communication

Small upgrades often make a big difference in how patients perceive their exam.

Look for systems that include:

  • Two-way communication between techs and patients

  • Music systems

  • Ambient lighting and calming visual displays

These features are standard on many newer systems and can often be added to refurbished units.

PrizMED Tip: These comfort upgrades can reduce patient anxiety, decrease no-show rates, and set your facility apart in competitive markets.

4. Positioning Flexibility and Table Comfort

Getting into the right position is not always easy for patients with limited mobility or chronic pain. Staying in position is even harder.

Features to consider:

  • Automated positioning tools

  • Faster table movement and return-to-start functions

  • High weight-capacity tables

  • Pediatric accessories and flexible coil arrangements

PrizMED Tip: These features save time and reduce the risk of injury for both patients and staff while improving image quality.

5. Faster Scan Times

Shorter exams not only improve workflow, they also improve the patient experience.

Modern systems offer:

  • Parallel imaging (MRI)

  • Faster gantry rotation (CT)

  • Smart protocol libraries and auto-segmentation

Faster scans mean less time in the machine, fewer motion artifacts, and a better overall result for everyone.

PrizMED Tip: When we work with high-volume facilities, we often help prioritize these workflow features because speed benefits both patients and staff.

We Got Your Back! 

The best imaging systems do more than capture a clear image. They make patients feel safe, respected, and comfortable.

At PrizMED, we guide our clients through every factor that affects not just system performance, but patient experience. Because when patients are more comfortable, everything else runs smoother.

Want to explore comfort-focused upgrades or retrofits?
Let’s talk about how to make imaging easier for your team and your patients.

← Older Post Newer Post →