Implementation of a comprehensive MR safety course for medical students

Abstract

This article proposes the design of an educational MR safety module using an available comprehensive multiple-choice exam for instructing medical students about basic MR and patient related safety. The MR safety course material can be implemented as a traditional didactic or interactive lecture in combination with hands-on safety demonstrations. The goal of the course is to ensure that medical students receive a basic understanding of MR principles and safety considerations. This course should prepare medical students for consideration of patient screening and safety when ordering MR studies. A multiple-choice exam can be used to document the proficiency in MR safety of the medical students. The course can be used by various medical school programs and may help to ensure consistent quality of teaching materials and MR safety standards.

Magnetic resonance safety

“…Especially orthopedic implants such as external fixation systems can cause heating in an MRI scanner [6,144,7,145,149,4,103,10,107] and some of the new implants or devices have not been tested or labeled for MRI compatibility [150]. It is therefore essential to establish a close collaboration between the radiology team, the ordering physician, and the physician who placed the implant [13]. …”

“…All personnel working in the MR environment need to be trained with a comprehensive MRI safety course [13]. For new employees who will work in the MR environment this course should be included in the employee orientation program and be repeated annually.…”

“…The MRI safety training should include the presentation of technical and medical background of MRI safety. Hands-on demonstrations of missile effects of ferromagnetic objects can help to better understand and experience the dangers in an MRI suite [9,13]. Detailed screening procedures of patients with a questionnaire for ferromagnetic objects, implants, devices, body piercing, allergies to MRI contrast agents, kidney disease, pregnancy, breast feeding and also the screening of patients that have a history injuries by a metallic foreign body such as bullets, shrapnel, or other type of metallic fragments help to avoid severe accidents in an MRI suite.…”

“…The following sections will review potential bio-effects and risks of the magnetic fields that interact with patients and health care professionals in an MRI suite [9]. …”

Building a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety Culture from the Ground Up

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic tool that uses magnetism and radio waves to produce high-resolution images of structures and organs inside the body. MRI is safe but comes with great risk; not only for the patient, but also for health care professionals and any other personnel who may come in contact with the magnetic fields in or around the scanner [1,2].…”