How remote scanning is reshaping radiology operations

Radiology departments are under increasing pressure to deliver timely and accurate results while managing high volumes of imaging studies. Demand for CT, MR and PET-CT studies continues to rise; advanced outpatient imaging in the USA is expected to grow by 13% in the next decade [2]. Concurrent with this trend is a decrease in personnel. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) reports a technologist vacancy rate of 18.1% in 2024, up from only 6.2% three years prior [3]. Given the pressure to conduct more imaging exams with fewer people, it is not surprising that an ASRT study lists burnout as a top reason for job turnover [4].

The twin challenges of increased demand and fewer staff are not insurmountable. Rather, an astute use of technology, in the form of remote scanning, can engender advances in workflow, patient care and efficiency. With a remote scanning operation, experienced technologists at a single location guide on-site technologists and even control imaging systems remotely [1], acquiring the complex images needed for diagnostic confidence. Remote scanning helps align resources with demand, reducing patient wait times and maximizing throughput.

Several factors have combined to bring remote scanning to the forefront of solutions. First, as healthcare networks grow, there is a limited number of experienced technologists, spread across multiple healthcare locations. Thus, the traditional set-up, in which experienced technologists work side-by-side and train those with less experience, is less likely to occur organically. Second, advances in scanner connectivity and secure networks now allow CT, PET-CT and MRI systems to be operated by trained experts from a centralized or remote location [1]. Now, the organic training that occurred when technologists with different levels of experience worked side-by-side can be replaced by on-demand expertise, as imaging sites can instantly connect to skilled technologists for guidance, protocol adjustments and scan optimization.

Health networks and imaging centers that have implemented remote scanning [1] realize three key benefits: optimized staffing and coverage, real-time collaboration and support, access to specialized skills.

An expert technologist, when provided with technology that supports viewing and editing scanner consoles remotely while supporting direct communication with on-site staff, can support multiple sites from a single location. The centralized command center also enables extended coverage for nights, weekends, and holidays without requiring additional on-site staff and flexible deployment of resources to match workload spikes.

Remote consultations between remote expert technologists and on-site technologists or imaging assistants using voice, video and chat communication supports collaboration and efficient workflow, ensuring that patients will receive the same exam quality as with an on-site expert. Remote technologists can adjust protocols, coach on-site personnel about patient positioning and ensure image quality during the scan, enabling streamlined workflows, reducing repeat scans and improving consistency across locations.

Remote scanning also enables networks to provide advanced imaging exams, such as cardiac MRI and complex CT, at a wider range of locations, because sites without this advanced expertise on site can contact a remote technologist for immediate guidance [1]. Off-site experts also can standardize protocols to deliver consistent image quality and workflow efficiency across locations.

Patients benefit from the convenience of receiving studies close to home, improving patient access to advanced imaging services and reducing the travel time to appointments. Live expert support also enhances training and upskilling opportunities for newer technologists.

Expert technologists are a valuable asset to every radiology department. A remote command center provides them with the ability to work in an environment that offers challenging cases to sharpen their skills and reduce monotony. Command centers can also be set up from home to allow flexibility in their commute. Overall, it also reduces unnecessary travel to remote locations.

Enabling imaging consistency is fundamental to the success of remote scanning. Remote imaging experts play a critical role in upholding standardized imaging protocols. By adhering to established guidelines and best practices, remote imaging experts help guarantee that every scan meets high standards of quality. Updating scan protocols remotely from the command center, helps to maintain consistency across different sites. This commitment to quality not only reduces the likelihood of repeat exams but also supports better patient outcomes by providing clinicians with reliable diagnostic information.

Philips Radiology Operations Command Center, is transforming how technologists operate imaging equipment, improving access to expertise and creating more flexible, efficient workflows. Radiology Operations Command Center is a multi-vendor, multi-modality, secure remote scanning solution, backed by Philips expertise [1]. Users have achieved a seven-minute reduction in average scan time for cardiac MR exams along with zero recalled exams [5].

Implementing a remote expertise center requires planning, analysis and the right technology. For more information about how Philips remote scanning solution can help you realize staff flexibility, efficiency and scanning excellence, contact your Philips representative.