The rise of mobile radiography

In nursing homes, at home, or even in screening centers, portable X-ray units allow healthcare professionals to reach patients outside the hospital setting. This new mobile radiology service is becoming increasingly widespread in France, thanks to several advantages. Its performance provides comfort for both patients and medical staff without compromising the quality of the images obtained.

EQUIPMENT THAT MEETS A GROWING DEMAND

Mobile X-ray services are experiencing rapid growth because they address an increasingly important need: reaching patients outside of hospital settings. This need stems from hospital overcrowding and the necessity of providing bedside care for some patients, as well as responding to emergency situations. Béatrice Oger, product manager at Fujifilm, which offers the FDR Xair portable X-ray unit, explains that “hospitals are equipping themselves to be able to visit nursing homes, cancer screening centers, refugee centers, or to equip humanitarian aid trucks. Radiologists and radiology technicians can also choose this equipment to offer a home-based service to meet a growing demand, particularly from nursing homes.”

Nursing homes are the first to benefit from the advantages of home X-rays. For Arnaud Candela, director of the Le Domaine de Romorantin nursing home, it was essential to implement this solution: “I learned about this technology at my previous facility. For me, there were only advantages to using a home X-ray service at my new facility. We avoid additional suffering for our residents, particularly due to transportation, and our teams optimize the time dedicated to care.” X-rays are taken very quickly, the process is clear, and the images are high quality. So far, I’ve only had positive feedback from both staff and patients.”

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY FOR HIGH-QUALITY EXAMS

Easily transportable in a rolling case and quick to set up, the latest mobile X-ray units are equipped with cutting-edge technology. The Fujifilm FDR Xair, already used in several healthcare facilities in France, consists of an FDR D-EVO sensor and an Advance console that generates high-resolution images at a low dose. The Virtual Grid and Dynamic Visualization II technologies, integrated into the system, optimize image resolution. Arnaud Candela was even surprised by the quality of the X-rays: “To be honest, I was skeptical. In a hospital setting, you assume that because the equipment is larger and more substantial, the quality will be better. But when I saw the images, I had no more doubts.” The quality is truly exceptional. I would also like to highlight the excellent support and professionalism of the RX CARE teams (Stéphane, Ahmed, and Abderahim), who demonstrate great patience and use appropriate techniques to reassure the residents.

MOBILE X-RAYING: REDUCED HEALTHCARE COSTS

Mobile X-raying is finally becoming part of a strategy to reduce healthcare spending. Moreover, health authorities are taking an interest in these new technologies, as Béatrice Oger explains: “When we started offering our portable X-ray unit to healthcare facilities, we contacted the Regional Health Agencies (ARS) to explain the technical capabilities of our equipment. We held preliminary meetings to discuss the technology and its costs. Today, the ARS regularly request demonstrations from us. They are open to this type of new service, which further encourages radiology technicians to adopt these innovative practices.” This positive viewpoint is shared by Arnaud Candela, for whom “everyone wins: patients, multidisciplinary teams, management teams, and the healthcare system.”

Camille Benkahla

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