Radiologists today face a number of challenges: increasing image volumes, the growing complexity of studies, and physical discomfort. Luckily, our recent study gives us a clear indication of what's needed to tackle these challenges. The magic recipe to save our radiologists? Increased focus on image quality, features that provide an efficient workflow, and improved ergonomics.



What radiologists want 

In order to explore this question further, we surveyed 223 radiologists across North America and Europe to capture an overview of their wants. The survey gave us a valuable indication of the challenges these professionals face today, while also providing a list of features and opportunities that might help overcome them in the future. 

Image quality and productivity 

Here's what we learned and viewed as the key improvements to their reading experience. Not surprisingly, 

• 91% of respondents selected image quality as the single most important aspect of a medical display, 
• with higher spatial resolution (80%),
• better contrast (68%),
• improved brightness (53%),
• and a wider viewing angle (53%). 

With the number of studies and their complexity rising, however, the focus on productivity for radiologists sharpens as well. 92% of radiologists expressed the need for faster image loading and image manipulation. A larger screen surface (78%) and the ability to load both color and grayscale images on a single screen (66%) are also considered important. 

Comfortable read

Another aspect revealed by the study is the need for improved ergonomics. The use of multiple displays - 85% of radiologists use three or more - causes increasedhead and neck movements. At the same time, eye strain remains a cause for concern. As a result, no fewer than 87% of radiologists experience physical discomfort while reading images. Yet this need not be the case. An easy-to-adjust stand (83%), better ambient room lighting (81%), reduced screen glare (72%), and keyboard task lighting (69%) could make radiologists' workdays much more comfortable and efficient. 


About the author

Christian Renaudin is Managing Partner and CEO of The MarkeTech Group. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Lyon and is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He has a strong knowledge of clinical cardiology and radiology, biomedical engineering in the area of 3D X-ray imaging, and marketing research techniques. For over 18 years, The MarkeTech Group has been a leader in providing global Voice-of-Customer marketing research to the healthcare, medical device and pharmaceutical industries. The MarkeTech Group is a full-service marketing research outfit and a first tier member of CASRO, with offices in Davis (California), Angers (France) and San Paolo (Brazil).

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