Perceptions of Indian Radiographers on MRI Patient Care and Safety

This project is a qualitative research study focusing on the perceptions of Indian radiographers regarding patient care and safety within Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environments. The research, conducted as part of an MSc Medical Imaging dissertation, aims to explore radiographers' knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards patient safety in MRI settings. The methodology includes a literature review, descriptive statistics, and thematic analysis of survey data collected from 29 Indian radiographers using purposive sampling. The findings indicate that more educated radiographers demonstrate greater knowledge of MRI safety protocols and a positive approach to patient safety. Radiographers prioritize following safety guidelines from regulatory bodies and healthcare organizations, emphasizing communication and prompt action in emergencies. Work environment characteristics, such as equipment availability, training, and managerial behavior, also significantly influence radiographers' commitment to patient safety. The study concludes that Indian radiographers consider patient care and safety a priority and possess the necessary skills and knowledge. The project is designed to provide insights into the challenges and best practices related to patient safety in MRI, offering valuable information for healthcare professionals and students. The study used a survey form to gather data on the radiographers' opinions about several topics, including the importance of patient information, waiting times, communication, and the procedure itself.

 Since the 1990s, MRIs have gained
significant popularity in healthcare
settings and research
 If not properly conducted, MRI
procedures may have significant
adverse effects on the patients, or the
imaging personnel.
 Adequate safety measures must be
adhered to.
The aim of the study is to explore the
perceptions of Indian radiographers about
patient safety and care in MRI.
 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a
development that has played a critical
role in clinical diagnosis and biomedical
research.
 Any human endeavour creates risks.
 It essential to continually comply with
safety rules and to prevent risks
(European Medicine Agency, 2017)
 The main accidents reported in the
literature concern projectiles with a
large mass, such as oxygen shells,
metallic implants as well as implantable
medical devices or even intracorporeal
metallic foreign bodies.
 Accessing the room where the
examination will take place should be
restricted to people who are not aware of
the relative constraints associated with
intense magnetic fields.
Research Method: Qualitative research
Research Design: Descriptive statistics and
Survey
Sampling: Purposive sampling using
partner organization method
Participants: 29 Indian Radiographers
Data analysis: SPSS (descriptive statistics)
Thematicanalysis (survey data)
 More educated radiographers were more
knowledgeable about safety in
 MRI environments and were more
positive about safety
 Radiographers are keen to follow the
safety guidelines provided by regulatory
bodies and the healthcare organizations in
which they work as a strategy of ensuring
safety of themselves and their patients.
 Communication, and prompt action in
emergency situations is an important
priority.
 Characteristics of work environments
such as availability of equipment, frequent
trainings, managerial behaviour and a
safety culture determine the motivation of
the radiographers to ensure patient
safety.
 Interviews as an important data collection
tool for assessing the suitability of
patients for MRI and the safety
precautions required.
 Checking and examination of equipment
before conducting any MRI procedure
also emerged as an important
consideration for radiographers
 Indian radiographers perceive patient
care and safety as a priority in MRI.
 They also have the requisite
knowledge and skills regarding patient
care and safety in MRI.
PERCEPTIONS OF INDIAN RADIOGRAPHERS ABOUT
PATIENT CARE AND SAFETY IN MRI
Introduction
Aim
Summary of Literature
Research Method
Research Findings Conclusion