Our objective is to implement a point of care MRI program into a hospital system utilizing a portable MRI machine for the purpose of brain MRI.

Portable MRI is an innovative technology which allows imaging at bedside in the hospital setting. We refer to this process as ‘Point of Care MRI.’ In this regard, a portable MRI unit can be safely and easily be mobilized into a patient’s room. This also expands access to MRI scans where the patient cannot safely be transported or is unable to tolerate a traditional MRI.

A pilot study was implemented at a single hospital with primary stroke center certification and level 2 trauma certification. This study, which is the first resident-run point of care MRI program in the United States. We performed a sample of point of care MRI studies on patients who were scheduled for a routine study. The patients in the study group were patients who were admitted to the neuroscience floor or emergency department. 

MRI studies performed were deemed to be of diagnostic value and either influenced a change in medical care or confirmed continuation of current medical care. The percentage of Point of Care patients that were able to be discharged on the day of the study in the emergency department and on the neurology inpatient floor was 100% and 33% respectively.

Point of care MRI is an important diagnostic study that is effective for diagnostic determinations. It can also decrease length of stay and prevent unnecessary admissions from the ED to the hospital floor.