A national survey of MRI safety practices in Ghana

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to assess current MRI safety practices among MRI facilities in Ghana, and their compliance with the 2013 American College of Radiology (ACR) guidance document on MR safe practices.Material and methodsA questionnaire developed from the 2013 ACR Guidance Document was used to collect information on magnetic field strengths, MR safety policy and compliance, patient screening, emergency preparedness, infection control, MRI safety accessories, equipment safety, signage and barriers, report of adverse incidents, and access and communication.ResultsOut of the 13 MRI facilities identified, response rate of 92% was obtained. Six (50%) facilities indicated they have MRI safety policy and have it present and readily available to facility staff. Five (42%) facilities indicated they have handheld magnets, and 1(8%) has ferromagnetic detection system. Only one (8%) had crash carts. Seven (58%) facilities have zone 4 clearly marked with a red light and lighted sign stating “The Magnet is On”. One (8%) recorded projectile incident and fire outbreak. Eight (67%) facilities have direct visual observation of access corridors to zone IV.ConclusionThere was compliance in some areas of MRI safety practice, however there were some shortfalls which need to be addressed. We therefore recommend improvement in the following areas: (1) establishment, implementation, and maintenance of current MRI safety policy, (2) patient screening, (3) provision of training and routine drills on emergency response protocols with documentations, (4) emergency preparedness, and (5) provision of colour codes for equipment used within MRI environment.

Health and safety control measures and MR quality control results in the MRI units of two public hospitals within the Mangaung metropolitan

“…However, it was noted during a walk-through survey that there was a health and safety policy for the entire clinical imaging department. Similar MR safety non-compliance has also been noted in a Ghanaian study [24]. Cross et al [5] and Kanal et al [6] suggest that MRI facilities must have specific and updated MR safety policies and this was not found during the observations made in both hospitals.…”

MRI Safety Practice Observations in MRI Facilities Within the Kingdom of Jordan, Compared to the 2020 Manual on MR Safety of the American College of Radiology

“…This could be disconcerting, thus reflecting the low level of MRI safety knowledge and awareness of the MRI safety issues. Piersson and Gorleku, 39 in their national MRI safety survey, found that about half of the surveyed centers had no MRI safety policy document in the workplace. Opoku et al 40 also found a lack of knowledge and training gap among MRI staff that might contribute to the absence of such cornerstone documents.…”

“…The findings of this study are much less than those found in Greece and Ghana studies. 39 , 45 Therefore, the training of staff involved in emergency response is essential to improve an organization’s ability to deal with any type of emergency to ensure that staff feels confident and competent in any emergency situation they may encounter during their clinical practice. 46 …”

Perceived safety of MRI units in the two public hospitals within the central region of South Africa: A pilot study among four MR staff

“…It is essential for all MRI staff to realize safety aims, objectives, and targets for all safety issues in the MRI units. 9 It was also noted that when changes or upgrades, either in hardware or software, were brought about to the MR machine, safety policies were not updated. This was due to the perception that the scanner in hospital B was very recent and no upgrades had been due at the time of the study.…”

“…This, however, in both hospitals is done by MRI vendors when conducting periodic maintenance. Although many MRI incidents occur as a result of improper screening or inappropriate access control, 9 it was noted that in both hospitals, there is restricted access to anyone entering the MRI suite. The responses of participants revealed that MR and non-MRI staff members are allowed to enter zone III or IV without undergoing safety screening, consequently putting them at risk of exposure to magnetic fields.…”