Ensuring the Safety of MRI Patients With Medical Implants or Devices In Situ: A Snapshot in Time of the Role and Responsibilities of New Zealand and Australian MRI Technologists (Radiographers).

Abstract

Introduction: Poor clinical decision-making in MRI can lead to significant patient injuries and, in some cases, prove fatal. With the ever-increasing range and numbers of MR-conditional implants and devices, the complexity of decision-making in this environment has increased. While historically performed by radiologists, this decision-making is becoming integrated into the MRI technologists' (radiographers') role. The aim of this paper is to document the evolving role and responsibilities of MRI technologists (MRITs) in New Zealand (NZ) and Australia when scanning patients with medical implants.

Methods: Utilising a mixed-methods case study research design, quantitative and qualitative data were collected via an online questionnaire and semistructured interviews. The questionnaire was completed by 235 MRITs, 12 of whom were also interviewed.

Results: Findings confirm that the MRIT role in NZ and Australia in 2018 had evolved over the preceding decade from one focused on technical proficiency to a role involving a higher level of cognitive function and competency relating to MRI safety. Participants identified that all MRITs must be responsible for MRI safety clinical decision-making, not just a select few. Some concerns were raised that radiologists are no longer sufficiently educated in MRI safety, supporting the need for a team effort instead.

Conclusion: Aligning with recent global calls to standardise MRIT education and regulation requirements, this study provides evidence to support a separate registerable MRI scope of practice. This will enable MRI-specific knowledge and continuing professional development (CPD) in MRI safety to be mandated and audited so that clinical decisions are informed and safe.