Feasibility and Cost Analysis of Portable MRI Implementation in a Remote Setting in Canada

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging Technology
• Healthcare Systems Analysis
• Remote Healthcare Delivery

Background:

• Access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is limited in many remote regions.
• Patient transfer for neuroimaging incurs substantial costs and delays.
• Innovative solutions are needed to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of implementing a portable MRI in a remote Canadian hospital.
• To compare the costs of portable MRI with traditional patient transfer for fixed MRI.

Main Methods:

• A portable, ultra-low field (0.064T) MRI was installed in a remote hospital.
• Adult patients requiring neuroimaging were included from November 2021 to September 2022.
• Image quality, report turnaround, and cost analysis were performed.

Main Results:

• Portable MRI was successfully implemented, providing diagnostic quality scans.
• An estimated 44% of patients might still require transfer for advanced imaging.
• Significant cost savings were projected, with nearly $8 million saved over five years.

Conclusions:

• Portable MRI is a feasible solution for remote neuroimaging.
• This technology offers substantial cost savings and democratizes MRI access.
• It enables timely care and improved patient triaging in areas lacking conventional MRI.