Aims/Background: Delays in achieving urgent stroke imaging remain a barrier for initiating reperfusion therapies. Portable magnetic resonance (MR) scanners offer a novel potential solution. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of integrating a portable MR scanner into stroke workflows.
Methods: Between 15 December 2025 and 5 February 2026, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 8 clinical staff, to assess how these devices could be utilised in acute stroke workflow, and placed 10 healthy volunteers and 4 stroke patients into a dummy device in the Wellington Hospital stroke unit to assess workflow impacts. Qualitative inductive analyses identified key themes.
Results: The following key themes emerged: 1) the need for synergism between the scanner and patient monitoring needs, 2) clarity on what additional benefits the unit has over existing imaging for clinical teams, 3) clarity around who would be operating the scanner and interpreting the results, and 4) the need for skills training to ensure safe and effective use of the devices. In addition, several practicalities around manoeuvrability and positioning were identified in regards to patient tolerability and the reduction of movement artefact.
Discussion: Our single-centre study found that staff and patients were receptive to the introduction of a portable MR scanner. Findings primarily reflect implementation considerations within the Wellington Hospital stroke workflow and provide insights to inform the design of future clinical studies and ongoing device development. Addressing workflow integration, training, and operational clarity will be important to support successful adoption while maintaining efficient acute stroke care.