TY - JOUR
T1 - New Zealand and Australian MRI technologists’ (radiographers) MRI safety knowledge and confidence levels
AU - Mittendorff, L.
AU - Young, A.
AU - Lee, A.
AU - Sim, J. H.
N1 - Funding Information:
To develop a consistent level of safe practice, it is proposed that a minimum level of MRI-specific education is defined and mandated to practise. Continuing professional development focussing on MRI safety must be encouraged and, if audited as part of registration, could also be mandated. Implementation of a supporting regulatory framework similar to NZ is recommended for other countries.The NZ model of compulsory registration in a separate scope of practice for MRI technologists and trainees enables mandating a minimum level of MRI-specific education. Furthermore, there is an ongoing requirement to complete MRI-specific CPD, and those technologists practising within the trainee scope are required to be working under supervision. The distinct nature of the MRI environment compared to general radiography, and the very real potential for severe adverse safety outcomes to occur because of human error if knowledge is inadequate, is recognised by this NZ model. The model is also supported by an international survey that determined mandatory certification leading to registration specifically in MRI, as well as a requirement for a specified minimum time of supervised practice, are elements of good practice.26This research paper forms part of a master's degree by research at The University of Auckland. We thankfully acknowledge the support of funding provided by The University of Auckland Graduate Student Support and the research funding of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology (NZIMRT).
Funding Information:
This research paper forms part of a master's degree by research at The University of Auckland. We thankfully acknowledge the support of funding provided by The University of Auckland Graduate Student Support and the research funding of the New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology (NZIMRT).
Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The College of Radiographers
PY - 2023/7
Y1 - 2023/7
N2 - Introduction: The MRI technologist (radiographer) is at the frontline of MRI safety decision-making and has the primary responsibility to provide high quality, efficient and safe patient care in the MRI environment. As MRI technology advances and new safety issues emerge, this study aimed to provide a snapshot of the preparedness of MRI technologists in New Zealand (NZ) and Australia to practise confidently and safely. Method: An online questionnaire, administered via Qualtrics and covering a range of MRI safety topics, was distributed in 2018 via the New Zealand MR Users Group, the MRI Australia-NZ Group Facebook, and relevant professional bodies. Results: A total of 312 MRI technologists attempted the questionnaire, with 246 surveys being fully completed. Of these, 61% (n = 149) were in Australia, 36% (n = 89) in NZ, and 3% (n = 8) from other countries. Findings indicated that current MRI education is preparing MRI technologists in NZ and Australia to practise safely. However, while these technologists are confident in their MRI safety decision-making, accuracy levels within some groups need addressing. Conclusion: To develop a consistent level of safe practice, it is proposed that a minimum level of MRI-specific education is defined and mandated to practise. Continuing professional development focussing on MRI safety must be encouraged and, if audited as part of registration, could also be mandated. Implementation of a supporting regulatory framework similar to NZ is recommended for other countries. Implications for practice: All MRI technologists are responsible for the safety of their patients and staff. Employers must support and ensure MRI-specific education has been completed. Ongoing engagement in MRI safety events provided by MRI safety experts, professional bodies and/or universities is essential to remain up-to-date.
AB - Introduction: The MRI technologist (radiographer) is at the frontline of MRI safety decision-making and has the primary responsibility to provide high quality, efficient and safe patient care in the MRI environment. As MRI technology advances and new safety issues emerge, this study aimed to provide a snapshot of the preparedness of MRI technologists in New Zealand (NZ) and Australia to practise confidently and safely. Method: An online questionnaire, administered via Qualtrics and covering a range of MRI safety topics, was distributed in 2018 via the New Zealand MR Users Group, the MRI Australia-NZ Group Facebook, and relevant professional bodies. Results: A total of 312 MRI technologists attempted the questionnaire, with 246 surveys being fully completed. Of these, 61% (n = 149) were in Australia, 36% (n = 89) in NZ, and 3% (n = 8) from other countries. Findings indicated that current MRI education is preparing MRI technologists in NZ and Australia to practise safely. However, while these technologists are confident in their MRI safety decision-making, accuracy levels within some groups need addressing. Conclusion: To develop a consistent level of safe practice, it is proposed that a minimum level of MRI-specific education is defined and mandated to practise. Continuing professional development focussing on MRI safety must be encouraged and, if audited as part of registration, could also be mandated. Implementation of a supporting regulatory framework similar to NZ is recommended for other countries. Implications for practice: All MRI technologists are responsible for the safety of their patients and staff. Employers must support and ensure MRI-specific education has been completed. Ongoing engagement in MRI safety events provided by MRI safety experts, professional bodies and/or universities is essential to remain up-to-date.
KW - Continuing professional development (CPD)
KW - Education
KW - Knowledge
KW - MRI safety
KW - Radiographer
KW - Technologist
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85159124635&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.radi.2023.04.012
DO - 10.1016/j.radi.2023.04.012
M3 - Article
C2 - 37187067
AN - SCOPUS:85159124635
SN - 1078-8174
VL - 29
SP - 697
EP - 704
JO - Radiography
JF - Radiography
IS - 4
ER -