Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Auckland, New Zealand; Mercy Radiology, 7 Polarity Rise, Silverdale, Auckland, New Zealand.
Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 85 Park Rd, Auckland, New Zealand.
Radiography (Lond). 2023 Jul;29(4):697-704. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.04.012. Epub 2023 May 13.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
磁共振成像技师（放射技师）处于磁共振成像安全决策的第一线，主要负责在磁共振成像环境中提供高质量、高效和安全的患者护理。随着磁共振成像技术的进步和新的安全问题的出现，本研究旨在了解新西兰（NZ）和澳大利亚的磁共振成像技师在自信和安全地执业方面的准备情况。
2018 年，通过在线调查工具 Qualtrics ，向新西兰磁共振成像用户组、磁共振成像澳大利亚-新西兰组 Facebook 页面和相关专业机构发布了一份涵盖磁共振成像安全各个主题的在线问卷。
共有 312 名磁共振成像技师尝试了该问卷，其中 246 份完整填写。其中，61%（n=149）在澳大利亚，36%（n=89）在新西兰，3%（n=8）来自其他国家。研究结果表明，目前的磁共振成像教育使 NZ 和澳大利亚的磁共振成像技师能够安全地执业。然而，尽管这些技师对自己的磁共振成像安全决策有信心，但某些群体的准确性水平仍需要提高。
为了制定一致的安全实践水平，建议定义并强制要求具有最低水平的磁共振成像专业教育才能执业。必须鼓励以磁共振成像安全为重点的持续专业发展，如果作为注册的一部分进行审核，也可以强制要求。建议其他国家效仿新西兰，实施类似的支持性监管框架。
所有磁共振成像技师都对患者和工作人员的安全负责。雇主必须支持并确保已完成磁共振成像专业教育。磁共振成像安全专家、专业机构和/或大学提供的磁共振成像安全事件的持续参与对于保持最新知识至关重要。
