Ecological Sustainability in Imaging

Energy saving and sustainable development have gradually become key values and goals in healthcare as well. Effects of climate change significantly increases the burden on healthcare systems¹. Also, the production of healthcare services also requires a significant amount of energy, and for example imaging and especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), plays a significant role in the carbon footprint of hospitals².

"Ecologically sustainable practices are also a theme in healthcare. There is increasing discussion on how healthcare professionals can act responsibly in their work," says Katariina Lassila, a physician and expert in operational development.

"Radiographers also have many opportunities to influence ecologically sustainable imaging practices," says radiographer and education services expert Helena Peuralahti. "The most impactful actions are achieved through collaboration."

Many are familiar with situations where a patient's imaging examination can’t be carried out due to contraindications, or the exam does not lead to the desired outcome—resulting in waste of both the radiographer’s working time and energy consumption. Analyzing and improving processes, such as creating imaging referrals and instructions, have a significant impact on ecological practices.

"The referral must include an indication and all necessary patient information. With good pre-instructions and efficient preparation, the imaging time of the system can be optimally utilized," Peuralahti comments.

Lassila adds, "The process from referral to providing imaging instructions and the patient's arrival should be executed in a way that imaging is effective, and the goals set for the patient's care pathway are achieved, avoiding unnecessary repeat examinations. This way, the energy consumed by the device is directed towards the right things."

When the goal is to use the imaging fleet efficiently and reduce energy consumption, the impact of activities before and after imaging also matter: how appointments are planned and executed, or how smoothly changing patients happens. 

“The use of time in different work phases can be examined through information systems, and with the help of data analysis and the assessment of different work phases, operations can be improved," Lassila explains.

For instance, in one project, the operation of three MRI devices was enhanced by reorganizing staff tasks and roles. This could lead to a 40% increase in the number of patients examined per day without increasing staff workload, resulting in significant reduction in energy consumption per patient.^3,4

"The utilization rate of a single system has a significant impact on overall equipment needs: the higher the utilization rates, the fewer systems are needed and also space is saved," Peuralahti clarifies.

Sustainable development requirements have been considered in technological development. For instance, by putting an MRI device in Eco Power Mode when not in use, energy savings of around 30% can be achieved, equivalent approximately to the energy consumption of two electrically heated households of four people each year.

Energy consumption in imaging exams can also be influenced in different ways. Optimized sequences and their proper utilization improve image quality and reduce the need for repeat examinations. Shortening sequence times also supports efficient system use. Artificial intelligence can even reduce imaging times by up to 60 % in certain cases.⁵

"Radiographers can also impact energy consumption, for instance, when using examination tables: when the table is pulled out after the study, the device's gradient amplifiers go into energy-saving mode," advises Peuralahti.

From an ecological perspective, the location of systems, professionals, and patients is also significant. "With remote scanning technology⁶, a radiographer can remotely conduct MRI scans that require expertise not available at their own hospital. This also offers colleagues the chance to learn how to perform rare examinations," Peuralahti explains.

Lassila adds, "Remote scanning technology enables ecologically friendly resource use: exams can be conducted remotely, simultaneously saving the environment and ensuring the effectiveness of the examination."

Remote technologies can also be utilized in device maintenance. "Through remote connections, a service engineer can see the system's status, diagnose issues, perform updates and calibrations. If they need to travel to the site, they can be better prepared due to remote access, ultimately getting the system back in order faster and with fewer travel emissions," says Peuralahti.

Ecological considerations are important when planning new acquisitions: what are the current and future needs for a system? "The lifecycle of a system includes manufacturing, transportation, installation, usage, training, maintenance, and usage methods, upgradability, and recycling. Generally speaking, a longer lifecycle is more ecological - device upgradability in particular has a significant impact on sustainability," says Lassila.

Peuralahti continues, "The choice of a partner also matters. It's good to ask manufacturers how their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their operations. For example, does the manufacturer have a sustainable development organization, what commitments have they made, or is there a circular economy-based device offering? Together, we can always make a bigger impact."

Published in Radiografia Magazine 4/2023

Helena Peuralahti, Radiographer and Education Services Expert

Katariina Lassila, Physician and Expert in Operational Development