Whether it's time to upgrade your existing imaging equipment or you're looking to expand your department, choosing a new unit can be challenging. There are many things to consider when you start shopping, and some of those things can be significant factors in the final selection. Not only do you need to know your budget, but you'll also have to think about the space that you have, what renovations might be required to fit a new piece of equipment, and whether or not you'll buy a new machine or one that's been refurbished. One factor that's overlooked in many purchasing decisions is how the machine will fit into your workflow. Here are some things to think about as you start shopping.
Where Is The Equipment Going?
The first thing you should think about is where you're putting the equipment. This is essential because it affects the size, shape, and style of the machine that you can choose. Are you working in an emergency room or a trauma center? If so, you'll want versatile equipment, but may not have space for something excessively large. In addition, working in trauma centers, emergency rooms, and orthopedic areas may mean choosing a machine that's designed to accommodate wheelchairs, stretchers, and other support equipment.
What Is The Expected Patient Base?
Another important consideration is what kind of patient base you can expect to have. If you're providing services in a pediatric ward, you won't need a table with as high a weight capacity as if you're working in a bariatric environment. Make sure you choose imaging equipment that has a sufficient capacity for your needs so that you don't lose functionality in the tilting, movement, and adjustment of the table.
How Many People Can You Expect In The Room?
Depending on the type of imaging you're doing, you may find that you'll need to accommodate more people in the room than typically expected. In emergency rooms, for example, you'll typically only have the patient and maybe one other person. However, in trauma wards, neurology departments, and training facilities, you can expect to have more people in the room at any given time. Make sure the room is large enough and the equipment fits well enough that you can easily accommodate the necessary people.
How Busy Will You Be?
Before you can even narrow down your choices, you need to think about what kind of capacity you need. After all, low-volume imaging departments won't need as high-end a system as those that see fifty or more patients in a day.
What Is The Imaging Focus Going To Be?
If you're in an orthopedic department, you'll want a system that's better suited to versatile positions for imaging than if you're in a cardiac or neurologic division. Consider the positions your patients will most frequently be in to ensure that the system you choose will comfortably accommodate that.
Will Your Patients Have Special Or Critical Needs?
If you'll have patients in your imaging room that are under critical care, ventilator support, or other essential treatments, you'll need equipment that can accommodate that. The last thing you want to run into is a problem where you can't work around a ventilator for a patient who requires one. You'll also want to think about other accommodations for patients who need to be sedated and supported while under that sedation.
Now that you know what kinds of things you need to consider while you're shopping, you can start narrowing your options more effectively. Work with a medical equipment supplier who can help you look at all of the equipment that meets your needs, both new and refurbished. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be to get what you need.
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