Redefining Access to High-Value MRI: Results from the CAMERA MRI in Africa Needs Assessment Survey

Abstract

We examined access to MRI in Sub-Saharan Africa to provide a novel framework to address MRI needs. A 68-question needs assessment survey was distributed to collaborators, radiologists and radiographers in Africa, yielding 158 unique responses. Survey responses were analyzed to provide insight into challenges and opportunities for MRI access. Geographical information systems (GIS) were applied to responses from Nigeria to model access to high-value MRI. To our knowledge, this is the first study that used GIS mapping to estimate MRI access. This novel approach can be applied to low-resource settings globally to provide a comprehensive framework to understand MRI access.