5 Important Patient Care Tips for Imaging Techs Using OEC Technology

In the last few years, the healthcare industry has been shifting focus to patient-centered care to deliver quality services to patients. This has forced healthcare givers, particularly in imaging, to use new technologies to deliver quality care to patients. Such technology improves patient outcomes and helps hospitals increase their revenues. For the technicians working in the imaging department, here are some vital patient care tips that can help them deliver quality care.

Understand Your C-Arm Equipment

Though imaging tech companies, such as OEC, work to keep technology simple and user-friendly, there are new innovations that require some training.

It’s the technician’s duty to understand what such equipment is changing, in order to continue giving accurate diagnoses and increase patient comfort levels. Technologists also need to be on the lookout for even more modern imaging equipment while monitoring whatever they have for servicing and repairs. This means checking out sites like minicarm.com, where they can find the latest c-arm equipment as well as training on how to use the equipment.

Explain to Patients What’s Going on

While you may be familiar with medical procedures and terms, the patient isn’t. They don’t use medical terms or tech in their everyday lives. Use simple English they will understand. Explain what will happen during the procedure, narrate what you’re doing throughout the procedure, and encourage them to ask questions.

Put Their Mind at Ease

Patients often come to the hospital scared of the news they’ll receive. They need reassurance which you should provide. Proper communication with patients gives them comfort, and they won’t feel powerless. Avoid towering over a patient. If they’re sitting, sit as well. If you need to touch them, explain where you’ll be placing your hand and why you need to touch them. Such simple gestures reassure patients.

Explain the Imaging Process

As mentioned above, before conducting a c-arm or x-ray imaging exam, tell the patient what you’ll be doing. Explain what they will see, feel or hear during the exam. If any medication is needed before the exam, explain why, and the side effects the patients can expect. Certain imaging exams like MRIs are loud. It’s best to provide the patients with headphones or earplugs to prevent hearing damage or startling the patient. Address all patient concerns, like providing eye cover to claustrophobic patients during enclosed exams like CT scans and MRIs.

Special Considerations for Pediatric Patients

You can’t handle pediatric patients the same way you handle adult patients. Kids need special consideration as they find medical environments frightening. When working with pediatric patients, have a positive attitude. Your moods and behavior can help pediatric patients feel more comfortable during c-arm procedures. Understand that unusual smells, loud noises, and large machines can startle kids. Try to calmly explain the procedure using an affirming tone. As much as you have explained to the parents or guardians what needs to be done, kids also need to know.

Most patients who need imaging exams are scared of the outcome. It helps to have an imaging technologist who is compassionate and assuring because it reduces worry and helps patients feel supported.

Samantha

Samantha hails from Virginia and is a proud wife to a retired Deputy Sheriff and mother to two amazing little boys named Jack & William. A veteran product reviewer; Samantha has been reviewing products for 8 years and offers high quality product reviews with original photography.