Initial experience with remote MRI scanning support in an oncology focused practice - Opportunities for expanded access to radiology care

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Levi

Medical imaging demand is rising, intensifying workforce stress to deliver consistent, high-quality studies while maintaining rapid turnaround and round-the-clock coverage. Remote access technologies now enable scan assistance and control, aiming to address these clinical pressures. The study assessed an early virtual scanner operations system for remote MRI monitoring and scan control at three distant outpatient sites. Results showed execution of complex oncologic MRI exams without measurable acquisition-time impact, alongside benefits for training, assistance during staffing shortages, and access expansion, despite limitations from protocol setup complexity and connectivity delays requiring an on-site technologist for safe operation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages10

Reading Time25 min

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

DOI: 10.1002/acm2.70461 TECHNICAL NOTE Initial experience with remote MRI scanning support in an oncology focused practice: Opportunities for expanded access to radiology care Christopher M. Walker1 Maria G. Maldonado2 Megan C. Jacobsen1 Suprateek Kundu2 Michelle L. Underwood3 Joshua P. Yung1 Brandy J. Reed3 David Jaffray4 R. Jason Stafford1 Marshall E. Hicks5 Caroline Chung6 Aradhana M. Venkatesan7 1 Department of Imaging Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA 2 Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA 3 Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA 4 Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA 5 Interventional Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA 6 Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA 7 Department of Abdominal Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA Correspondence Aradhana M. Venkatesan, Department of Abdominal Imaging, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler St. , MSC 1182, Houston, TX 77030, USA. [Email:](Email: AVenkatesan@mdanderson.org)[ AVenkatesan@mdanderson.org](Email: AVenkatesan@mdanderson.org) Abstract Background: As medical imaging demand grows, there is increasing stress on the currently available workforce to deliver consistent, high-quality imaging studies while ensuring rapid study turnaround times and round-the-clock radiology coverage. Advances in remote access technology facilitating remote scan assistance and control are now commercially available to address these pressing clinical needs. Methods: This work evaluated an early clinical application of a virtual scanner operations system (syngo Virtual Cockpit (VA13A, Siemens Healthineers, Erlangen, Germany) for remote magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) monitoring and scan control at three geographically distant outpatient sites associated with our primary institution. Results: The system facilitated execution of technically complex oncologic MRI exams at these geographically distant clinics with no measurable impact on acquisition time compared to MR imaging performed at our primary hospital location. Additional operational improvements were realized with the use of the system, including remote staff training, technical assistance, and scanning during staff shortages. This early iteration of remote scanning had some limitations including limited utility for additional assistance in the scanning of those protocols that require complex physical setup. Moreover, connectivity issues were noted to be a limiting factor that contributed to operational delays. It was still necessary to have an onsite MRI technologist at the scanner console to interface with the patient and ensure safe operation. Conclusion: Despite these limitations, our initial experience demonstrates that the use of remote MRI scanning support facilitates stafﬁng ﬂexibility while providing expanded patient access to oncology MRI services. KEYWORDS magnetic resonance imaging, practice expansion, remote scanning, technology, tool evaluation, workforce This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2026 The Author(s) . Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics published by Wiley Periodicals, LLC on behalf of The American Association of Physicists in Medicine. JAppl Clin Med Phys. 2026;27:e70461 . [https://doi.org/10.1002/acm2.70461](https://doi.org/10.1002/acm2.70461) [wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/acm2](wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/acm2) 1 of 10 1 INTRODUCTION Increasing global investments in h

FAQs

What clinical need does remote MRI scanning support aim to address?

It aims to reduce pressure on the available imaging workforce by enabling remote scan assistance and control, helping maintain consistent study quality and fast turnaround while supporting around-the-clock coverage.

How was the remote system evaluated in this early application?

The study evaluated a virtual scanner operations system for remote MRI monitoring and scan control across three geographically distant outpatient sites associated with the primary institution.

What were the main outcomes and limitations observed?

The system enabled technically complex oncologic MRI exams without measurable impact on acquisition time and improved operations such as remote training and support during staffing shortages. Limitations included reduced utility for protocols requiring complex physical setup and connectivity-related operational delays, and an on-site MRI technologist was still necessary for patient interface and safe operation.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Levi