In just the past decade, cell phones have evolved from a luxury item reserved for an elite few to a standard personal accessory for the masses. The ubiquity of these devices has dramatically changed the landscape of interpersonal communication, benefitting virtually every industry. Unfortunately, the medical industry, particularly among hospital-based practices, still lags in the adaptation of mobile technology. All too frequent, we may be gently reminded by signs or hospital personnel to not use our cell phones in certain areas. The primary concern with these devices is possible electromagnetic interference (EMI) that would affect sensitive medical equipment. With the advancement of mobile technology and better shielding for medical equipment, this perception may change.

According to several Internet news sites, the Tan Tock Seng Hospital in Singapore recently concluded from an internal study that cell phones pose no significant risk to medical equipment. The hospital is purportedly converting its medical staff from the antiquated pagers to mobile phones. I could not find a reliable source (i.e., journal publication or hospital press release) to verify the reports, so I will not identify any sources.

There have nonetheless been other studies examining the impact of mobile phones on medical equipment. A study published last year in Anesthesia & Analgesia, for example, found that routine use of cell phones was acceptable even in critical care units. There are published specifications on how far the phone may be from a medical device, but a general guideline for a safe distance is 1 meter. I have observed wireless devices used at much closer distances to anesthesia machines without notable effect. But, I did not perform any formal or informal study, so I will not comment further on this.

• Source
• Wallin MK, Marve T, Hakansson PK. Modern wireless telecommunication technologies and their electromagnetic compatibility with life-supporting equipment. Anesth Analg 2005; 101:1393-400.

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Open MRI of Canada, a private clinic in Calgary, recently introduced the very first open MR (magnetic resonance) imager in the country. The company is marketing the new device as a viable alternative for certain patient populations, such as obese individuals who cannot fit in the confined spaces of the traditional MRI. This would also be helpful for patients with claustrophobia and for anxious children who can now be accompanied by their parents.

The current wait for non-emergent MR imaging averages 6 months in Canada. Naturally, Open MRI of Canada actively markets their services to physicians and health officials as a means to expedite the acquisition of diagnostic images. This comes at a price though: $695 (Canadian), which is still significantly cheaper than a traditional MR scan in the United States.

The recent introduction of Canada’s first open MRI is interesting, because it represents the gravitation toward capitalized medicine. The ideals of socialized medicine in Canada promote universal and equal access to health care. While the use of open MRI may be necessary for a subpopulation of patients, the privatization of this service can lead to a different level of health care for those who can afford it. Wealthier citizens can avoid the long waits to obtain an MRI. They can also avoid the cramped and noisy experiences of conventional MRI. With the production of room-sized MRI with landscape murals (Open Sky MRI by FONAR), the future luxuries of MRI may even be brought to a whole new level.

• Source
• Image reproduced from Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

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