Radiologists play a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients, and they rely heavily on medical images to make their assessments. However, the long hours radiologists spend looking at computer screens can lead to eyestrain, which can interfere with their ability to see the images clearly and accurately. As a result, it’s important to reduce eye strain in any ways you can, including through a reading environment that is conducive to optimal screen viewing.

Ergonomics is one of the most important considerations when shopping for a radiology imaging desk. Radiologists and technicians often work long shifts—10 to 12 hours—interpreting images and reviewing patient cases. Radiologists come in all shapes and sizes, and the one-size-fits-all approach of traditional fixed-height desks poses significant ergonomic challenges. Maintaining proper ergonomics is crucial to preventing repetitive strain injuries and maintaining focus and productivity over these extended work periods.

Choosing the right manufacturer for your radiology imaging desks involves many factors, including cost, warranty, ROI, ergonomics, durability, ease of use, and IT considerations such as managing cables and swapping out equipment. Given all the issues involved, it’s important to include all stakeholders in the decision making. In fact, if you don’t, you can not only offend a colleague but make a mistake and end up hearing “I could have told you” from those excluded.

Can sit-to-stand imaging desks increase productivity in radiologists? According to some evidence, yes. In fact, a controlled environment study published in the journal Radiology found that radiologists who used sit-to-stand desks for 12 weeks had a 10% increase in productivity, as measured by the number of studies read per hour. The study also found that the radiologists who used sit-to-stand desks reported feeling less fatigued and more comfortable at the end of the workday.

When choosing desks for a telemetry room, it's important to consider the specific needs of your staff and equipment along with the space available. By taking the time to choose the right desks, you can create a comfortable and functional work environment that will help your staff provide the best possible care for your patients.

As you look for new radiology imaging desks, keep one goal in mind—better patient outcomes. Can you really achieve that with a piece of furniture? We think so—as long as that piece of furniture is ergonomically designed for the comfort of the radiologist and engineered to expertly manage all the equipment. And as long as the room itself is designed by an expert for optimal workflow and collaboration. In fact, the National Library of Medicine put it quite bluntly: “Burnout among radiologists may be mitigated by a physical work environment that promotes wellness.”

What is the difference between various imaging desks? And how have they evolved to become innovative technology today? 

My name is Mike Graham, and I'm the Director of Key Healthcare Accounts with Xybix. I’d like to take you on a journey of ergonomic imaging furniture over the last 2 ½ decades. The evolution can somewhat be compared to the telephone. Starting with the rotary desk phone and evolving into the latest and greatest iPhone. 

My friend Alex invented a new sport: Extreme Standing. When she got a sit-to-stand desk from our MojoDesk division last year, she loved it immediately. As a CFO, Alex had no problem crunching numbers on a laptop, whether she was at home on a sofa, sitting in a coffeeshop or standing at her desk. She especially loved standing. But then the back pain set in…

7/11. The average American spends 7 hours and 11 minutes looking at a screen each day. I venture to say it’s even worse in 24/7 operations such as 911 dispatch, security/surveillance and emergency operations centers. Add to that the increases in smoke and pollution in the air, and our poor eyes are strained. Fortunately, inexpensive quick fixes are at the ready.

During this long Covid adventure, we’re finally coming to a consensus on one thing: The virus very rarely spreads through surface contact. But do you know what does thrive on surfaces—especially hard surfaces—for hours? Cold and flu viruses. Experts aren’t sure how our Covid habits will impact this year’s cold and flu season. But I’m sure that I don’t want a cold or the flu or Covid. So I looked back through the Xybix blog archives for tips on staying healthy at this time of year.