The Imaging Department of the Modern Hospital

Abstract

In the modern hospital, imaging plays a seminal role in the diagnosis and treatment of a vast number of diseases. Recent breakthroughs in imaging technology particularly in CT, MRI, and ultrasound technology have profoundly changed the manner in which medicine is practiced. The imaging department in the modern hospital therefore functions as a key diagnostic hub that must provide safe, reliable, highly efficient, and advanced imaging services. Accordingly, the imaging department must be managed and organized in a manner that emphasizes teamwork and accountability. All members of the imaging team must focus on maintaining quality standards in every facet of the department and must assure optimal radiation safety, MRI safety, and equipment safety. The radiology IT infrastructure and its numerous components must be designed for optimal productivity and efficiency and maintained to the highest standards as required by the radiologists and referring physicians. Effective, continuous training of the imaging staff is necessary for the optimal operation of the highly advanced equipment of the modern imaging department. The modern imaging department provides advanced imaging technology and services in three key locations that include the main imaging suite of the hospital, the emergency department, and the operating room. The main imaging suite features DR radiography and fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT, MRI, SPECT imaging, and interventional radiology. An imaging suite in or immediately adjacent to the emergency department must provide DR radiography, CT, and ultrasound services around the clock. In the operating room, C-arm technology and when appropriate portable CT technology and even MRI are critically important for providing surgical imaging guidance for orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, cardiovascular surgeons, general surgeons, and urologists. Portable bedside technology that is needed for the care of critically ill patients includes low-dose DR portable X-ray, ultrasound, and when appropriate portable CT.