Key Peripheral Devices and Their Features

Monitors

• Important features:
  • High-Resolution Displays: important for accurate image interpretation.
  • Recommended Diagnostic Monitor Specifications:
    • Resolution: 3MP for X-ray, and 2MP for others (CT/MRI/US/Fluoroscopy/Nuclear Medicine)
    • Maximum pixel pitch: 0.21 mm
    • Luminance: 350 cd/m^2, minimum 250cd/mm^2
• Examples of brands: EIZO, Barco, NEC.

Keyboards

• Important features:
  • Ergonomic Design: 
    • Split Keyboards:
      • Ergonomic Benefit: Split keyboards promote a natural hand and wrist position by separating the keyboard into two halves. This design reduces wrist extension and minimizes strain on the ulnar nerve.
    • Angled Keyboards:
      • Ergonomic Benefit: Angled keyboards elevate the keyboard's center, aligning it with the natural angle of the wrists and forearms. This design minimizes wrist extension and ulnar deviation.
    • Mechanical Keyboards:
      • Ergonomic Benefit: Mechanical keyboards offer tactile and audible feedback with each keypress. This feedback reduces the need for excessive force when typing, minimizing finger fatigue.
  • Programmable Function Keys: Customizable keys allow radiologists to streamline common tasks with macros, improving efficiency.
  • Workflow Enhancement: Radiologists can type with less effort, less fatigue and more precision, optimizing their reporting efficiency.
• Examples: Logitech Ergo K860, Kinesis Advantage, Keychron.

Alternative Input Devices (AID)

Macro-Keypad:

• Important features: [1-4]
  • Ideally, it should have onboard memory to store hotkeys. Otherwise, usage of 3rd party software such as AutoHotKey (AHK) would be necessary. 
• With the adequate know-how, these can be purchased and customised to each individuals workflow. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) guides are be readily available on Github [5].
• Examples:
  • CoolerMaster ControlPad 
  • ShuttlePro– has an additional jog-wheel which can be configured to scroll cross-sectional imaging

Mice

• Important features:
  • Ergonomic Shape: Ergonomically shaped mice fit the contours of the hand, reducing hand and wrist strain during prolonged use.
  • High Precision: high-resolution optical sensors for precise cursor control.
  • Free-scroll Wheel: important for scrolling large quantities of images quickly for cross-sectional imaging (CT and MRI). 
• Examples: Logitech MX Master 3 (Free-scroll wheel), Razer DeathAdder Elite, Logitech MX Vertical

Voice Recognition Software Compatible Microphones

• Important features:
  • Noise Cancellation: To ensure clear dictation, particularly in a noisy environment. A cardioid type of microphone would be necessary in a noisy environment. 
  • Hands-free use: Important to reduce hand fatigue.
  • Plug and play feature: Almost all "UC" or "MS" headphones should be compatible with Windows.
• Examples: Blue Yeti, Audio-Technica ATR2100, Jabra Speak 710

Ergonomic Furnishings

• Important features:
  • Standing Desk/Height Adjustment: The ability to switch between sitting and standing positions effortlessly promotes comfort and prevents prolonged sitting-related issues.
  • Cable Management: Tidy cable organisation enhances safety and aesthetics in the workspace.

Ergonomic Chair

• Important features:
  • Adjustable Lumbar Support: Customizable lumbar support ensures proper spinal alignment and comfort.
  • Adjustable Armrests: Personalized armrest height accommodates different work positions and body types.
• Examples: Herman Miller Aeron, Steelcase Gesture, Secretlab Omega Series.