Study of lone working magnetic resonance technologists in Western Australia

Abstract

Objectives: It is recommended that magnetic resonance (MR) technologists should not work alone due to potential occupational health risks although lone working is legally acceptable. The objective of this study was to investigate the current situation of lone working MR technologists in Western Australia (WA) and any issue against the regulations. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire regarding the issues of occupational health of lone working MR technologists was developed based on relevant literature and distributed to WA MR technologists. Descriptive (percentage of frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Fisher's exact, Chi 2 and t tests, and analysis of variance) were used to analyze the responses of the yes/no, multiple choice and 5 pt scale questions from the returned questionnaires. Results: The questionnaire response rate was 65.6% (59/90). It was found that about half of the MR technologists (45.8%, 27/59) experienced lone working. The private magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) centers were more likely to arrange technologists to work alone (p < 0.05). The respondents expressed positive views on issues of adequacy of training and arrangement, confidence and comfort towards lone working except immediate assistance for emergency (mean: 3). Factors of existence of MRI safety officer (p < 0.05) and nature of lone working (p < 0.001-0.05) affected MR technologists' concerns. Conclusions: Lone working of MR technologists is common in WA especially in private centers. The training and arrangement provided seem to be adequate for meeting the legal requirements. However, several areas should be improved by the workplaces including enhancement on immediate emergency assistance and concern relief.

Use of Smart Glasses (Assisted Reality) for Western Australian X-ray Operators’ Continuing Professional Development: A Pilot Study

“…For the 11-point scale items of the four questionnaires and two image quality assessment forms, mean and standard deviation were calculated and a paired t-test was used for comparing the mean values of the pre-and postintervention pairs of the 11-point scale items to determine any XROs' radiography competence (including image quality) improvements and enable findings comparison with the similar study [3,27,28]. A p-value less than 0.05 represented statistical significance [3,26,[29][30][31]. Content analysis with quasi-statistics as an accounting system was used to analyze the open questions about the usability of the assisted reality equipment [25,32].…”