3. Analysis
• We must design for a shared interactive space. Radiologists do
a lot of collaborating with others (other radiologists,
physicians, interns, medical students). To help with this
workflow, radiologists need to be in a space that can integrate
them with their peers but be flexible in that radiologists can
be in a space in their own quiet private space. These various
new layouts will help with the balance of these two aspects.
• Layout is based on a square room (like chest room). This
means in the body imaging room, we would break down the
wall in the middle.
4. Workstation Desks
Ambient
Buttons that Lighting This dial gives users quantitative
control the feed back of how much they are
partitions (up raising/lowering the table of
and down) are workstation. (on side of desk)
designed like a Ambient light
car window button control
button (two
views)
Side partitions are able
to go up and down.
Foot rest at the bottom of the desk
5. Analysis
• There is a lack of flexibility in height of the current desks; this was the
most prominent issue. This new adjustable desk will allow for
radiologists to adjust the height of the table according to whatever is
comfortable for their own height. Also, radiologists’ requested that
they be more “active” and not just sit for twelve hours a day. This will
solve that issue as this table can be adjusted so that hey can stand
while doing a reading. There are intuitive control buttons that move
the desk up and down.
• Noise from other radiologists, physicians, and others’ workstation/
dictation interrupts workflow. Having partitions gives a sense of
privacy. However, radiologists will be able to choose if they want the
partition up or down. If they need to speak with peers or physicians,
they can leave the partition down. If they do not want to be
disturbed, putting up the partition will help keep unwanted
interruptions out (passing by radiologists/physicians). Because the
partitions are slightly curved, it will dampen the external noise and
help them focus on dictation.
6. Analysis Cont.
• Footrest will allow for more comfort for the legs.
• Lighting is another issue and ambient lighting will allow for
more flexible lighting during reading to maximize comfort.
• Keyboard should have a backlight and should be wireless (less
physical things on the work station).
• Padding on the desk is strategically placed in places where
radiologists use their elbows and wrist the most. This was a
common problem observed multiple times.
• Drawers will allow for things that are not always used (phone,
paper) to be stored and hidden most of the time. This gives
radiologists more working room on their desk.
7. Monitors
A monitor set up with
just two monitors
A monitor set up with
just three monitors (the
images monitor is
combined).
8. Analysis
• Larger monitors will consolidate and group things together but
still retain the same amount of monitor real estate as before.
The low resolution monitor (combines the current two non
image monitors) will be where PACS and talk station are and
“split screen” it with the miscellaneous applications such as
internet, EPIC …etc). The large, high resolution monitor will
combine the two image monitors. The real estate of this new
monitor will be able to hold the current image and previous
image separately.
• Radiologists had problems switching between monitors,
causing strain to their necks. Having less monitors will mean
less switching between the monitors and less strain on their
body. Switching between less monitors will be less of an
interruption and save time.
9. A New Type of Dictaphone
• A portable Dictaphone that could be integrated with the
workstation itself or the artifacts on the work station. This
would make it portable and radiologists can decide where
they want to place it. For example, they could place it on their
monitor, chair, partition, clothes…etc. Integration with the
workstation will allow for more efficient workflow (no more
picking it up putting it down constantly). This will save time as
there will be one less artifact to handle.
• (“record” would be a shortcut on the keyboard)
10. Laser Pointers
• Various colors for each radiologist
• Help with precision in pointing and explaining images
• Help with visibly showing who is pointing where
• Limits the number of mice on desk (more desk space)
• Improve overall collaboration workflow
11. Extreme Solutions
The following are ideas that we thought would work only if we
did not have money and time constraints.
• Fire some radiologists and hire transcriptionists and
receptionists.
• Work flow is now streamlined and expertise is not wasted , protocol
does not interfere with dictation, radiologists will not be focused on
software and just the images
• Extra money of firings radiologists can go to buying all the new furniture
• Tablet to sync up to everything.
