Purchasing a new Biofeedback or Neurofeedback system can be quite a confusing and difficult task. There are several manufacturers of equipment that offer a variety of features. Each system may have its own requirements and accessories and putting together a package can be quite a daunting challenge.
Most new users are not sure of what type of equipment they need and unfortunately are oversold on their first equipment purchase. Each system has pros and cons, and to get an objective answer from the manufacturer is often difficult. New users are often not sure of exactly what they may need and feel they may lose out on some sort of deal by not acting fast.
Are you qualified to use the equipment on patients? On yourself?
Standards can vary from state to state. Anyone planning on seeing patients should contact BCIA www.bcia.org and verify they are qualified to see patients. Some of the devices available are FDA approved and can only be used by licensed clinicians or under the direction of a licensed clinician.
If you are a home user and are considering using EEG on your own to change your brainwaves, don’t! Stop here and go to www.isnr.org or to www.BCIA.org and find a licensed practitioner. We do not advise anyone to practice EEG without the supervision of a licensed clinician. A trained clinician can advise you on the kinds of training that might be appropriate for you. If training is indicated, they may be able to offer clinical supervision.
Are you qualified to use this type of equipment? Are you getting in over your head?
Think about what you’d like to get out of your purchase. If you are not very computer savvy then maybe a sophisticated program isn’t for you. If you have a basic understanding of computers then most systems are usable out of the box. All systems with software require some set up, and if you haven’t installed software before or are new to newer computers you will need a lot of help.
Some of the more sophisticated programs allow you to build or create any type of training scenario you could dream up. This may take some tweaking, but if you are a better than average computer user the sky is the limit. Most manufacturers offer advanced software training for those who want to learn. Most of the manuals are pretty comprehensive and cover a lot of what you would learn in a training course.
What are you planning on doing? EEG? Physiology?
If you are only doing 2 channels of EEG do you really need a 4 or 6 or 8 channel system? Most systems can be expanded and so you can always add to you system and slowly add other modalities. There is no need to purchase everything at once unless there is a budget consideration and you may not get funding again.
How many patients are you seeing or do you plan on seeing? What is your target audience or potential clientele?
If this is going to be a small adjunct to your business, you may only need easy-to-use stand alone devices or inexpensive pre-canned software programs. A full system may not be for you. If you plan on having a thriving practice with Biofeedback or Neurofeedback as a main component of your practice, then you may consider something clinical with statistical reporting and nice visual displays.
Wireless or wired?
You should really only use wireless if you need it. If your goal is to have someone run a track, or do something that requires wireless, then wireless is probably a good idea. Choosing to use a wireless has system some problems. Wireless has the potential of dropping signal. Setting up wireless systems can also be challenging. Some systems have a wireless option, so when you need it you can use it. Wired connections offer a better chance of not losing your important data signal. Most wired systems are optically isolated to prevent any type of physical connection to the computer for patient safety.
What is your budget?
You should be thinking about the number of patients that you may be seeing when deciding on your budget. If this is only going to be a small component to your practice then should you make a large investment? If this is going to be the focus of your practice then you should consider how to best spend the dollars you have and get a system that will fit you needs to allow you to grow your practice.
What type of technical support can I expect?
This is often one of the most overlooked aspects of customers equipment purchases. Is the support you need going to be available when you need it? It is important to ask others who own the equipment you are considering how their support has been from the company they purchased their equipment through.
Every manufacturer has an online forum. Read the forums, some of the best feedback comes from previous customers. If you want to see feedback from users who already own a certain product you can check the manufacturer forums.
What type of service can you expect?
If you have a problem and need a certain part fixed or repaired will you have extended downtime causing you to cancel patients? Does the company you are planning on working with offer advanced replacements? Both who you bought your products from and where it was made can have a significant impact in how long it will take to get a replacement. If your product was made outside of the US you can expect at the minimum a few extra days, if not weeks.