Radiographers’ experiences during foetal MRI examinations: A qualitative study

IF 2.8 Q2 RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING

Radiography Pub Date : 2025-10-01 DOI:10.1016/j.radi.2025.103184

T. Medar , S. Riquet

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Foetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complements ultrasound in the diagnosis of congenital anomalies and presents emotional and technical challenges for both patients and healthcare professionals. This study aimed to explore the experiences and coping strategies of Radiographers, involved in the care of pregnant women undergoing foetal MRI.

Methods

A comprehensive qualitative study based on Kaufmann's methodology was conducted. Ten experienced radiographers participated in semi-structured interviews, either in person or via video conferencing. Thematic analysis was performed using Atlas.ti software, and data saturation was reached after the tenth interview.

Results

Six major themes emerged: patient communication strategies, adaptation of technical protocols to reduce foetal movement, sources of professional stress and coping mechanisms, training needs, organisational and interprofessional challenges, and ethical dilemmas in patient care. Participants emphasised the importance of adapted communication, emotional regulation, interprofessional support and continuing education to improve patient experience and technical outcomes.

Conclusion

Radiographers face significant technical and emotional challenges during foetal MRI examinations. Drawing on stress and adaptation theory, this study identified the main sources of stress and the strategies employed to maintain the quality of care. Improvements in training, teamwork, communication and the integration of expert patients could strengthen patient support, reduce professional pressure and improve the quality of care in foetal magnetic resonance imaging.

Implications for practice

Integrating foetal MRI into the initial training of radiographers could boost confidence and technical preparedness for this complex examination. Continuing education in emotional support and improved interdisciplinary communication is also essential. The involvement of expert patients before and after MRI examinations could provide empathetic support to pregnant women and reduce the emotional burden on radiographers by sharing experiential knowledge.

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放射技师在胎儿核磁共振检查中的经验：一项定性研究

胎儿磁共振成像（MRI）补充超声在先天性异常的诊断，提出了情感和技术上的挑战，为患者和医疗保健专业人员。本研究旨在探讨放射技师在孕妇接受胎儿核磁共振检查时的护理经验及应对策略。方法采用考夫曼方法进行综合定性研究。十位经验丰富的放射技师亲自或透过视像会议参加了半结构化的访谈。使用Atlas进行专题分析。Ti软件，第十次访谈后达到数据饱和。结果：患者沟通策略、减少胎动的技术方案适应、专业压力来源和应对机制、培训需求、组织和跨专业挑战以及患者护理中的伦理困境。与会者强调了适应性沟通、情绪调节、跨专业支持和继续教育对改善患者体验和技术成果的重要性。结论在胎儿MRI检查中，放射科医师面临着重大的技术和情感挑战。根据压力和适应理论，本研究确定了压力的主要来源和维持护理质量的策略。在培训、团队合作、沟通、专家患者融合等方面的改进，可以加强对患者的支持，减轻专业压力，提高胎儿磁共振成像的护理质量。对实践的启示将胎儿核磁共振纳入放射技师的初始培训可以增强对这一复杂检查的信心和技术准备。在情感支持和改进跨学科交流方面的继续教育也是必不可少的。MRI检查前后专家患者的参与可以为孕妇提供感同身受的支持，并通过经验知识的分享减轻放射技师的情感负担。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Radiography RADIOLOGY, NUCLEAR MEDICINE & MEDICAL IMAGING-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

34.60%

发文量

169

审稿时长

63 days

期刊介绍： Radiography is an International, English language, peer-reviewed journal of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. Radiography is the official professional journal of the College of Radiographers and is published quarterly. Radiography aims to publish the highest quality material, both clinical and scientific, on all aspects of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy and oncology.