Transforming mri scans for deaf, hard-of-hearing veterans | va salt lake city health care | veterans affairs

Magnetic resonance imaging tests can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially for deaf or hard-of-hearing Veterans. Brandon Johnson, the radiology safety and compliance officer at VA Salt

Lake City Health Care System, saw it as a golden opportunity to transform Veterans' experience. Since their inception, MRI scans rely primarily on audible commands given by a

technologist while the patient is getting a scan. They’ll hop on the mic and give you instructions. But what if you can’t hear them? "In order to get usable images, we need the patient

to lie still and hold their breath during the scan,” said Johnson. “Movement can distort images causing blurry and possibly unusable images.” Johnson says MRI scans will sometimes need to be

redone due to movement, but noticed it was happening more often among deaf and hard-of-hearing Veterans. HARDSHIPS FACED BY DEAF OR HARD-OF-HEARING VETERANS For U.S. Army Veteran Corey

Smith, the MRI experience was particularly challenging. "You can't bring in any aids or electronics," said Smith. "In the past, they only used verbal commands. The

technologist is far from you, and the noisy machine doesn't make it easier to hear." Smith's sentiment echoes the struggles deaf and hard-of-hearing Veterans endure during MRI

tests. JOHNSON'S INNOVATIVE SOLUTION Johnson's invention, created to support Veterans, tackles those communication challenges. First, it's about comfort. "My proposed

solution seamlessly integrates cues within the MRI's bore," stated Johnson. "These cues provide precise, visible instructions for the Veteran during the scan."

Johnson's practice ensures Veterans like Smith feel confident and empowered during MRI tests. Second, it's about speed and efficiency. According to Johnson, instructions in the

bore have reduced patient movement, allowing staff to perform faster and more accurate scans. This contributes to quicker treatment decisions and enhances health care accessibility for all

Veterans. BENEFITS FOR ALL VETERANS While Johnson's innovation focuses on Veterans with hearing loss, it has advantages for all Veterans. Using visual cues to supplement instructions

makes getting clear, usable scans simpler than ever. "When I saw the display in the MRI machine, I felt confident I could do what the technologist needed," said Smith. "The

instructions were clear, and the device was not intrusive. It made the entire process simpler. It impressed me." DEDICATION AND EMPATHY For Johnson, this isn't a project; it's

a calling. His invention is a shining example of VA employees transforming health care through dedication, empathy and innovation. Johnson's invention increases productivity, limits

mistakes and provides Veterans, especially deaf and hard-of-hearing Veterans, an inclusive and efficient MRI experience.