A Better Scanning Experience for Patients and Technicians

GE HEALTHCARE
Creating a more streamlined user interface for CT scanners to maximize image quality, and minimize radiation

Overall, the experience was absolutely fantastic. GEHC not only delivered a world-class product with a tremendous success in the marketplace, but as an organization, we learned the principles of design thinking, establishing the foundations for a terrific roadmap of customer-centered innovations.

J. Gustavo Perez-Fernandez
President & CEO of Surgery at GE Healthcare

Operating a CT scanner is a delicate balancing act: The tech has to get a clear image for accurate diagnosis while reducing the patient’s overall radiation exposure. There are a lot of variables, and every second counts.

GE Healthcare, one of the country’s largest manufacturers of CT scanners, hired IDEO to redesign the console user interface to optimize the tech’s workflow, the patient experience, and the image quality. The key challenge was accommodating both junior and senior tech experience when designing a single interface, balancing support, flexibility and control. The final design allows techs to see their entire workflow up front, is optimized for “glanceability,” and draws technicians’ attention to important information. Threshold limits ensure the radiation dose never exceeds the determined amount. Ultimately, the streamlined design enables the tech to feel confident and focus on the patient’s physical and emotional well-being.

With several new hospitals using the new GE CT scanner, the impact has been evident. Within 24 hours, techs are up and running on the machines. The vision for the future looks bright and clear.

White boxes indicate changes have been made manually from the protocol.

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