**5.1. Analysis of the open ended part of the survey questionnaire**

With regard to procedures undertaken for patients and staff entering the MRI unit, the ma‐ jority of respondents (67.86%) had very little knowledge about what were being done. The remaining 32.14% had a fair idea but could not provide detailed description of the exact steps that were undertaken. When it came to the colours used to identify ferrous and MRI safe material, there was a poor appreciation, evident by the fact all the 28 respondents did not know the existence of the colour identification of ferrous and MRI safe material.

All the respondents cited the following as challenges in ensuring safety of patients and staff

Assessment of Safety Standards of Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital…

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**•** The lack of knowledge on continuity of procedure that has been performed for patients

On the issue of zoning in an MRI suite, 14.29% were aware of the different zones that are needed in a standard MRI unit as against 96.4% of the respondents which were not aware of the colour used to indicate the different zones. According to 21. 43% of the respondents, zoning was completely absent at the MRI unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The gener‐ al overview of the results suggests a huge knowledge gap on the safety issues of MRI by

Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative interview data. The predominant themes that emerged were the context for framework for operational safety at MRI unit, availability of departmental policy manual and training programmes for MRI. The areas identified included a maintenance programme for the MRI unit, structures in place for acci‐ dents and breakdown of the MRI unit and practical problems faced in ensuring safety at the

The context for framework for operational safety at MRI unit in this study represents a com‐ bination of organisational and operational methods that from the radiographers perspective, significantly affect the achievement of operational safety at MRI unit. It was noted that MRI was a relatively new modality in the country with the suite at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospi‐ tal which was in 2006 being the first in the country. It was further observed that there was no documented formal framework by either the hospital or the department and that prepa‐ rations were underway to produce one in accordance with best international standards. This observation was consistent with the findings from the survey questionnaire indicating the

On the issue of continuous education and training of radiographers on MRI, it was noted that this was non-existent. As stated earlier, there was no MRI specialized radiographer in the department and any qualified radiographers who has basic knowledge in MRI could be assigned to the unit. The need to provide a platform to training and educate the practicing

On maintenance programme for the MRI unit, it was mentioned that the supplier of the equipment has a maintenance contract with the hospital to undertake routine maintenance

absence of a policy manual at the radiology department.

radiographers on MRI was identified.

**•** A communication gap between patients and health professionals

**•** Unwillingness of co-workers to comply with protocol used at the unit

**•** Small waiting area which is shared by the CT-scanning unit and the MRI unit

at the MRI unit;

by referring clinicians.

majority of the respondents.

**5.2. The interview data**

MRI unit.

of the MRI.


**Table 5.** Responses to general knowledge about MRI

There was, however, high knowledge level in relation to how patients with implants and ferrous materials around the MRI suite were managed evident by the that fact 64.29% re‐ spondents could describe the correct steps that should be taken for such patients.

All the respondents cited the following as challenges in ensuring safety of patients and staff at the MRI unit;


On the issue of zoning in an MRI suite, 14.29% were aware of the different zones that are needed in a standard MRI unit as against 96.4% of the respondents which were not aware of the colour used to indicate the different zones. According to 21. 43% of the respondents, zoning was completely absent at the MRI unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The gener‐ al overview of the results suggests a huge knowledge gap on the safety issues of MRI by majority of the respondents.
