Assessment of MRI Safety Practices in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study is to investigate the safety practices used by MRI departments in Saudi Arabia. Methods A cross-sectional study across 113 private and public hospitals was conducted in Saudi Arabia. A survey questionnaire was designed and sent to 113 MRI units. The questionnaire consisted of 43 items under 14 sections for the assessment of MRI safety practices. These 14 sections are related to (i) MRI and its safety, (ii) MRI usage and its safety, and (iii) safety of the MRI technologists and reporting of adverse effects during the usage. The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidance document on MRI safety practices was used as a template for this survey. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistical software for Windows version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results Of the 43 items assessed, only 3 items’ binary responses (Yes & No) did not differ much. A greater proportion of positive responses for 40 items (93%) regarding MRI safety practices. More than 50% of the participants claimed that their departments lacked a Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO). Regarding regular safety training programs, less than 50% received training in MRI safety. Handheld metal detectors were found in only 39% of the MRI units. Conclusion The majority of MRI units in Saudi Arabia have demonstrated compliance with majority of ACR MRI safety recommendations; nonetheless, there are two main items for which the guidelines may not be attained: MRSO and regular MRI safety training programs. By taking into account the limitations of this study, it is strongly recommended to assign MRSO and implement annual MRI safety training to improve MRI safety practices for both patients and healthcare workers.

Provision of Safe Anesthesia in Magnetic Resonance Environments: Degree of Compliance with International Guidelines in Saudi Arabia

“…This variation suggests that there may be significant discrepancies in the quality and consistency of anesthesia care provided across different units and institutions. Addressing this variability is of paramount importance for promoting standardized and optimal anesthesia practices throughout Saudi Arabia [ 8 , 13 ]. The study’s findings also shed light on the compliance rates regarding guidelines for anesthesia administration in MRI environments, revealing interesting patterns among different types of hospitals.…”

“…To mitigate these risks, comprehensive guidelines and protocols for anesthesia administration in MRI settings have been developed to enhance patient safety and optimize the quality of imaging results. The Association of Anaesthetists in the UK published guidelines in 2002, with an update on the safety of MR units in 2019 [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Furthermore, the American Society of Anesthesiologists released a practice advisory providing specific recommendations for safe anesthesia administration in MRI environments [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”

“…The Association of Anaesthetists in the UK published guidelines in 2002, with an update on the safety of MR units in 2019 [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Furthermore, the American Society of Anesthesiologists released a practice advisory providing specific recommendations for safe anesthesia administration in MRI environments [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. These guidelines address factors such as patient selection, medication management, monitoring, emergency preparedness, and staff training and education.…”

“…Despite the existence of national and international guidelines, the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia currently lacks written guidelines or regulations specifically addressing the administration of anesthesia in MRI units [ 8 ]. As a consequence, local healthcare institutions often depend on policies and guidelines established by international organizations to guide their anesthesia practices in MRI settings.…”

Analyzing the Barriers of Incident Reporting in MRI Practice in Government Hospitals of Saudi Arabia

“…A recent assessment of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety practices in Saudi Arabia has revealed that the majority of MRI units have demonstrated compliance with most of the safety recommendations; nonetheless, there are a few main items for which the guidelines may not be attained, like the absence of specialists and regular training programs to improve MRI safety practices for both patients and health care workers (Alghamdi 2023). [ 5 ]…”