Mobile CT Utilization during CT Renovation at a Children's Hospital: Patient Safety Consideration
Purpose or Case Report: During a recent CT renovation, a mobile CT scanner had to be used at a major urban children's hospital which also is a Level 1 trauma center. Performing exams while maintaining patient safety and providing quality diagnostic imaging involved the collaborative efforts of the radiology team, the project manager, the construction team, and the hospital service line leaders. The purpose of this exhibit is highlight the anticipated and unanticipated considerations which had to be addressed prior to the use of the mobile CT scanner. Knowing how these environmental and patient safety issues were identified and addressed may be a help with future radiology equipment replacement projects.
Methods & Materials: Environmental concerns: As the unit was outside, the construction team had to design and build an adequate overhead awning to protect patients from inclement weather. An approaching hurricane meant the area had to be reassessed for its ability to be used during violent weather. Inpatient imaging: Patient simulations were performed to determine which pieces of medical equipment could fit onto the mobile CT lift when transporting the patient from ground level into the scanner. Earlier communication to pertinent hospital personnel, notably Emergency Department and ICU staff, would have allowed for more education in preparation for transporting patients to the mobile CT. Issues around severe trauma and unstable ICU patients would have been addressed with more time for preparation. With more notice and simulations, staff in these critical areas would have been more prepared for the utilization of the mobile CT scanner. Emergency and Sedation Preparation: Anesthesiology and Sedation Services were involved in the process. Ultimately, Anesthesia decided that patients could not be safely performed at the mobile location, and these patients were performed on a PET/CT scanner. The sedation team was able to provide its services off-site, but again, simulations and early involvement were key. Security and the Code Team were also engaged to ensure that responses to codes were prompt and the site well-known. Results: Conclusions: The use of the mobile CT scanner during the removal and installation of a new CT scanner was an educational experience to those involved. This radiology project may have gone more smoothly if many of these concerns were addressed prior to the start of the project. The information contained in this presentation will help other sites who have to use a mobile CT unit for scanning.
Wright, Angie
( Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
, Atlanta
, Georgia
, United States
)
Simoneaux, Stephen
( Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
, Atlanta
, Georgia
, United States
)
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