As I write this from my bright and sunny office, I need to remind myself that radiologists do not have the luxury of sunshine and light at work while reading at their PACS workstations. This is a problem because the dim rooms they work in contribute significantly to burnout levels in radiology of more than 50%. In addition, working for long periods in low levels of ambient light can disrupt circadian rhythms and lead to depression—which doesn’t really help on the burnout front.

Ergonomic imaging desks are designed to help radiologists stay comfortable and productive while they work. But not all ergonomic desks are created equal. Some are more customizable than others, which is important for many reasons related to the health, safety, and morale of radiologists. And being customizable is not enough—the process of adjusting the desk needs to be so easy that it’s second nature to the radiologist coming on shift or needing a boost throughout the day.

Workstations designed specifically for radiology equipment—and, more importantly, for radiologists—are essential equipment in healthcare facilities. In many cases, the desks are used and abused 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This is why you need to select imaging desks that are built to last.

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.