Cost Effectiveness of Mobile versus Fixed Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Mobile technologies are widely used in healthcare. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of fixed computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the mobile ones. Methods: In this systematic review, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and CRD database were searched from 1995 to 2015. The data on safety and effectiveness of technologies were extracted from included studies. Because the review showed no significant differences in the performance of mobile CT and MRI compared to the fixed ones, then a cost minimization approach was used to explore the cost-effectiveness of three scenarios. Results: Twenty two articles were included in the review that showed no statistically significant differences in the performance of mobile MRI and CT scan compared to the fixed ones. The cost minimization approach showed that the third scenario based on purchasing a common mobile MRI and CT scan; and using it by two or more hospitals that are in rational distance from each other is associated with the lowest costs, so it is the most cost-effectiveness strategy. Conclusion: The performance of Mobile CT and mobile MRI is comparable to the fixed ones; and using a combined mobile CT and MRI by two or three hospitals is the most cost-effective approach.

Low‐Field MRI of Stroke: Challenges and Opportunities

“…42 The initial cost of a fixed CT and MRI scanner, including the cost of purchase and installation, is around $500,000-750,000 and $1,100,000-2,100,000 respectively, as reported in 2019. 43 The cost of purchase and initial setup of mobile CT and MRI is around $720,000 and $1,290,000, respectively. 43 The installation costs for fixed CT and MRI are high, as they require a dedicated building, which is not incurred in the case of mobile CT or MRI.…”

“…43 The cost of purchase and initial setup of mobile CT and MRI is around $720,000 and $1,290,000, respectively. 43 The installation costs for fixed CT and MRI are high, as they require a dedicated building, which is not incurred in the case of mobile CT or MRI. Other costs incurred for mobile units such as vehicle, maintenance, and operational costs are detailed in by Mohammadshahi et al (in tables 4 and 5).…”

“…Other costs incurred for mobile units such as vehicle, maintenance, and operational costs are detailed in by Mohammadshahi et al (in tables 4 and 5). 43 Figure 2 shows MR scanner densities (per million people) and corresponding DALYs due to stroke, for the six geographical regions demarcated by WHO. The graph was generated based on the WHO's data on medical devices 44 and the stroke database.…”

Weight-Bearing Magnetic Resonance Imaging as a Diagnostic Tool That Generates Biomechanical Changes in Spine Anatomy

“…Some studies reported estimates of MRI scanners to have a nominal cost of $1 M per tesla (T) of the magnetic field [ 46 ]. In general, the fixed costs related to purchasing and establishing an MRI was estimated to be between 1-2 million dollars; the administrative cost was estimated on average to be almost one-hundred thousand dollars [ 47 ]. Some of this cost is due to the necessary addition of a dedicated MRI room, which is another significant cost to construct within a hospital.…”

Multispectral optoacoustic tomography of lipid and hemoglobin contrast in human carotid atherosclerosis

“…Such parameters include the grade of stenosis, arterial wall remodelling, presence of a large lipid core and a thin fibrous cap, inflammation, intraplaque hemorrhage or neovascularization and nodular calcifications [ 3 ]. Nevertheless, current radiological modalities may require: i) the intravenous administration of possibly toxic contrast agents, ii) long examination times or iii) bulky and expensive infrastructure, all characteristics not suited for highly disseminated use [ [4] , [5] , [6] ].…”