Wheelchairs have long been used to transport patients who can't walk on their own or are physically incapable of moving. They are beneficial for patients who are recuperating from accidents or surgery, those with chronic illnesses, or those who are experiencing mobility problems. However, when it comes to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams, traditional wheelchairs are not enough. The solution? An MRI wheelchair. An MRI wheelchair is a specialized chair designed to help patients who need to undergo an MRI scan without the difficulty of transferring from a standard wheelchair to an MRI scanner. Read on to learn five ways an MRI wheelchair improves the quality of life for hospital patients.

Comfortable and safe

Traditional wheelchairs can cause discomfort to patients. The seating is often not customized to their requirements, and this can lead to further physical problems. The MRI wheelchair offers advanced patient comfort and safety features. It's specially designed with a headrest, footrests, and armrests, padded cushions for patient support and stabilization, and even custom-designed straps to keep patients in place. This ensures that patients are comfortable while undergoing the entire imaging process without any concerns.

Increased accessibility

MRI scanners can be challenging to access, especially for immobile patients. Some workers may have trouble transferring a patient from a standard wheelchair to an MRI scanner, leading to stress for the patient and workers. The MRI wheelchair is designed to be compatible with MRI machines, so patients don't have to move from the wheelchair. This reduces the need for manual transfers, eliminating the possibility of accidents, and saves a lot of time and effort for hospital staff.

Faster scanning

MRI wheelchairs also help to speed up scanning. Compared to traditional wheelchairs, MRI wheelchairs are made from non-magnetic materials that do not interfere with the scanning process and do not need to be moved out of the scanner's range before scanning. This helps the patient and hospital staff avoid wasting time on setting up and adjusting the wheelchair, which can take a significant amount of time. A faster scanning process means that patients spend less time in MRI rooms, receive fewer sedatives, and undergo less stress.

Improved imaging quality

MRI wheelchairs are designed for use in imaging procedures, and thus, they have minimal interference with the scanning quality. The custom-designed straps, padding, positioning, and safe glides ensure that patients remain stable during the scan, decreasing the chances of motion blur or distorted images. The stability and compatibility with the MRI machine help to produce high-quality images while requiring fewer retakes, which saves time and provides doctors with better-quality images for diagnosis.

Improved patient experience

MRI scanners can be intimidating, and the process is often uncomfortable for patients, especially those with reduced mobility. MRI wheelchairs aim to provide a comfortable and reassuring experience for patients. With comfort and safety features tailored to the needs of the patient, the process becomes smoother, patients tend to worry less, and the experience is much more pleasant overall.

MRI wheelchairs offer a safe and comfortable solution for patients who cannot move much, are facing mobility issues, and are even sensitive to the standard hospital wheelchair. The customized MRI wheelchair's design can significantly improve the imaging process, enhance image quality, and reduce scanning time while providing a more positive patient experience. Hospitals can help their patients by implementing MRI wheelchairs as a service offering. When it comes to improving the quality of patient care, investing in the right equipment is a must.

Contact a local equipment supplier to learn more about MRI wheelchairs.