Chiba University Hospital creates calming MRI experience for patients
- By Philips
- Featuring
- August 27 2024
- 2 min read
Patients can often feel anxious before having an MRI scan, both about the scan itself and the diagnosis. This can lead to issues in keeping still and following breath hold instructions, which may result in a need for scan retakes. Chiba University Hospital (CUH) is one of Japan’s leading clinical research institutions with a long tradition of healthcare excellence, serving over 55,000 patients annually. In early 2021, CUH opened a central clinic which now houses most of the radiology department.
At-a-glance:
- Philips Ambient Experience helps enhance the patient and staff experience at Chiba University Hospital
- Delivering a personalized MRI environment with dynamic lighting, projection and sound solutions to help provide a calming and engaging environment
- Decrease in MRI rescans and ease of scanning more difficult patients
Focusing on patient comfort
With a philosophy of providing patients with the most advanced medical technology and an innovative experience, CUH believed that including Ambient Experience solutions in all four MRI rooms would help further enhance the MRI experience.
We want to create a relaxed environment for our patients to have their MRI examinations. Ambient Experience provides a spectacular view!
Yoshitada Masuda RT, PhD
Chief Radiological Technologist
Chiba University Hospital, Japan
Solution: A personalized MRI environment
Our Philips Ambient Experience team delivered dynamic lighting, projection, and sound solutions to help provide a calming and engaging environment for patients and an efficient workplace for staff in the MRI rooms. As the patient or staff selects the room theme, there is a sense of personalization. The on-screen display of examination progress and breath-hold guidance further supports patient compliance during the scan.
The CUH team believed that if they did not include Ambient Experience in MRI rooms, the rooms without would not be utilized fully which could cause scheduling conflicts, patient no shows and staffing issues.
Ambient lighting was also installed in the reception area, corridors and waiting rooms to further enhance the end-to-end patient experience.
Reception area Chiba University Hospital with Ambient Experience
Patient lying in the MRI scan in the MRI room watching an Ambient Experience theme
Impact and results: A calming care experience
CUH has seen a decrease in MRI rescans and plans to evaluate the impact of Ambient Experience on the patient experience.
Staff have advised that they do not need to spend as much time on easing patient concerns. And, they have been able to complete MRI scans on patients with claustrophobia who were unable to complete a scan previously.
CUH is pleased to continue to meet the needs of their patients and staff by providing:
- A calming and engaging care experience
- An efficient staff environment
- An MRI environment which helps claustrophobic patients complete a scan
- A reduction in the need for MRI rescans
CUH will continue to include Ambient Experience solutions with other future technology installations to continue to enhance the care environment for patients and staff.
The response from patients has been even better than we had hoped. And, there has been a significant positive impact on our staff motivation as well.
Koji Matsumoto, RT, PhD
Radiological Technologist
Chiba University Hospital, Japan
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Disclaimer
Results are specific to the institution where they were obtained and may not reflect the results achievable at other institutions. Results in other cases may vary.