Mobile scanners offer scenes that soothe

The racing heart, sweaty palms. You feel irritable, restless, even a little sick. You take a deep breath. Then another. Your eyes dart around the room, looking for a distraction. Something different to focus on. But all around you tells you the same thing: you’re at a hospital.

No one wants to feel anxious, but there are times in life where even the calmest and most pragmatic among us feel fearful and apprehensive, and health worries are always in the top five of things that cause us the most stress. Doctors are, of course, very used to meeting nervous and worried patients and highly skilled at putting them at ease. But sometimes the very space they work in can be unsettling. Examination rooms and imaging suites, for example, can be bright, clinical and intimidating, dialling up the anxiety levels for many – but especially the very vulnerable, such as neurodivergent patients, those with learning disabilities or dementia. 

Alleviating stress and fear are a priority for everyone in the healthcare sector and plenty of progress has been made, but a balance of approach and environment is key. Doctors and clinicians communicate clearly and with empathy, explaining procedures in simple, understandable terms. At the same time, they give their patients’ concerns the fullest attention, addressing any questions and allaying their fears. Many hospitals have also spent time exploring ways to make the rooms, wards and communal spaces warmer and calmer, using colour psychology to change the atmosphere. And it works.

However, these are fixed spaces within the control of hospitals or medical centres and there are times when healthcare providers need flexibility, so might call upon additional services to accommodate higher numbers of patients, for instance, or perhaps to implement a screening programme. Canon Medical Systems Europe offer a whole range of what they call Mobile Imaging Solutions, which are essentially self-supporting, portable clinical units. They are fully equipped with the very latest CT scanning technology and ready to use.

“When we built the mobile imaging units, we had many discussions about internal design because we understand that the majority of patients don’t know what to expect when they arrive for a CT scan, and they are nervous,” explains Johan Vochteloo, Director of Refurbished & Mobile Imaging Solutions. “So, we wanted to create a space that is as calming as possible and, to begin with, we worked with light and colour to achieve this. But we knew wanted to do more.”

As part of the global Canon group, it made sense for Johan’s team to reach out to their contemporaries at nearby Canon Netherlands, who introduced them to the Canon Ambassador Programme. Together they explored work by world class photographers and consulted on which genres might offer the best sensory experience for patients visiting a mobile unit. “We suggested the work of two photographers in particular,” says Tim Ten Cate, Brand Marketing & Communications Professional. “Pie Aerts, a Canon Ambassador and Sjoerd Bracké, a respected Dutch travel photographer.”

Once the images had been agreed, it took no time at all to have them printed by a trusted local Canon Print Service Provider and installed in the mobile units. This meant that they could be deployed as quickly as possible, heading out to hospitals and healthcare providers all over Europe. And the response to the calm and creative new interiors has been universally positive. “Our customers are used to absolute quality from us,” says Johan. “And it is great that we can provide this even in the images we have chosen for the units. Both patients and clinicians really love the photography, and it creates a calming environment and a talking point, which is a real benefit where there is anxiety or fear.”

As a Canon Ambassador with a passion for the natural environment, Pie Aerts travels far and wide, but this project was completely new territory, even for him. But he didn’t hesitate to participate in the project and is thrilled to know that his images will be making a difference. “Many patients, especially children, who have to undergo a scan are often brimming with fear,” he says. “I feel truly honoured that my photography will now bring some peace and, hopefully, a smile on the face of everyone that visits these units. It shows the true soothing and healing power of nature and art!''

Considering and prioritising patient comfort in this way sends an additional, important message – one of care. Lighting, colour and images in mobile units, which are so prized for their convenience and functionality, are transformative in the experience for patients. As well as helping to create a calm environment for them, it also communicates that they are valued, respected and safe. And these things are not a luxury – they are a necessity.

Learn more about Canon Medical Mobile Imaging Solutions.