ISMRM: ' Reinventing ' an MRI safety protocol

Reinventing an MRI safety program can create a culture of safety, engage technologists, and inspire safer workflows, according to research shared May 3 at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) meeting. Safety incidents around the world and the evolving complexities of implants, clothing, and technology inspired a team from St. Luke's University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA, to create and institute a multifaceted MRI safety program. Led by MR safety officer and radiologic technologist Jean Ellis-Land and fellow technologists Katherine Sedler and Monica Weiser, the program began by using surveys and observations to assess needs. "Today's MRI environment includes potential hazards that did not exist 20 years ago," noted Ellis-Land and colleagues. "We can no longer rely on the outdated safety practices of years gone by. We need to embrace the MRI environment as it is today." To that end, St. Luke's created a path for achieving a successful culture of safety in the MRI suite, for staff and patients. They described the process as broad, collaborative, and comprehensive, bringing together key elements of safety and increased staff commitment. "We first sent out an anonymous survey to all MRI technologists in our network, asking them to rate their opinions on moving to a more ferrous-free environment, how the network could support that transition, and encouraged them to share any other thoughts they had about MRI safety," the team highlighted. "...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: ISMRM 2024 Source Type: news