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Department nurse Jette Frederiksen
Ane EskildsenNovember 20, 20153 min read

Ergonomic Lighting at the Ultrasound Clinic at Hvidovre Hospital

At the Ultrasonography Clinic at Hvidovre Hospital, pregnant women undergo scans. During a scan, it is crucial that all details on the screen are clearly visible. That's why the department chose to install Ergonomic Lighting in all rooms in 2013. The lighting solution is operated through a user-friendly control panel in each room.

Before the installation of Ergonomic Lighting, all procedures in the department were conducted in dimly lit rooms. During scans, there was only the faint indirect light from a single lamp.

— It makes a significant difference that we now have proper lighting in the room at all times - for both patients and staff. It is very comfortable to work in, explains department nurse Jette Frederiksen.

Nurse sits and observes scan images

The lighting solution at Hvidovre Hospital includes four different settings, specifically developed for the Ultrasonography Clinic. Chromaviso's lighting experts collaborated with the department's staff to understand their workflow and needs before, during, and after procedures. Various color combinations were tested until the optimal settings were established.

Flexible solution ensures proper lighting

— We had a productive discussion about the lighting settings. We shared our needs and work requirements, and Chromaviso provided expertise on complementary colors and recommendations for optimal colors for ultrasound. We ended up with four settings that we are very satisfied with, giving us more options. It is a flexible solution that ensures we have the right lighting, says Jette Frederiksen.

During a scan, the staff can choose the color of the ultrasound image - either the standard black and white (gray-scale) or an image with more brown-orange tones (sepia). Regardless of the color they choose, they now have lighting that supports their work and enhances contrast and detail on the screen.

Midwife performs scan in violet light

More natural light and less sensitivity to brightness

As part of the follow-up and user training, Chromaviso conducted meetings with the department's staff to discuss and review the different lighting settings.

— I am extremely pleased with our Sepia light and use it all the time. I can see structures on the images better and feel more relaxed in my eyes. It makes a significant difference, says Mette Tindholdt, a midwife.

According to Mette Tindholdt, the new lighting has also had an impact on her sensitivity to brightness.

— I feel more refreshed after work and less sensitive to light when I go outside. The light doesn't feel as harsh, and I no longer need sunglasses when I leave the parking garage, she explains.

Furthermore, Mette Tindholdt has started using the daylight simulation setting between scans to get a boost of light in the middle of the day.

It is well-documented that exposure to bright light during the day contributes to increased energy and has a positive impact on circadian rhythm and sleep. Therefore, Chromaviso recommends that the staff make use of the daylight simulation between procedures.

Reliable solution

Hvidovre Hospital has installed Ergonomic Lighting in 36 rooms throughout the entire hospital. The reliability of the system has been noted by Henning Frederiksen, an employee in Operations and Technology:

— We have had the lighting in the Ultrasonography Clinic for two years, and there hasn't been a single instance where I've been needed. When I can stay away, it's a clear sign that it works well.

About the Solution at Hvidovre Hospital

  • 11 rooms. The department performs approximately 23,000 ultrasound examinations annually.
  • All rooms have Chromaviso's blue control panel with four settings.
  • The four different lighting settings are:
    • Cleaning/Daylight Simulation - bright white light
    • Patient Light - a warm reception
    • Red-Grey/Black Light - violet light that complements black/white images
    • Sepia - turquoise light that complements brown-orange images

About Ergonomic Lighting

Ergonomic Lighting is a flexible, zone-divided colored light for operating rooms and examination rooms. The light is tailored to the different work functions before, during, and after a procedure and is easily operated through a specially designed control panel.

Ergonomic Lighting consists of white and colored light, resulting in improved image quality, reduced reflection, decreased fatigue, and increased safety.

The light is used and recommended by leading researchers and doctors in Northern Europe.

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