**6.6. Summary**

lant and non ambulatory patients were thus transferred onto MRI safe wheelchairs and trol‐

72 Imaging and Radioanalytical Techniques in Interdisciplinary Research - Fundamentals and Cutting Edge Applications

It was reported by 57.1% of the respondents that the MRI equipment was regularly checked by the hospital authorities. However, it was established that these checks were not regular according to the standardized quarterly quality checks and maintenance scheme. The irreg‐ ularity of the quality assurance checks could be a contributing factor to the frequent break‐ downs of the equipment a view held by the respondents as contained in Table 3 on page 14

It was observed that patients were asked to complete MRI history and assessment forms to determine if they have conditions that were contraindicated to MRI procedure. However, non- patients including referring clinicians entering the unit did not complete this form. With the exception of the screening forms, no other safety and security documentation for both patients and staff were available in contravention of standardised policies and guide‐

It was found that occasionally anaesthetists were assigned to the MRI unit for required pro‐ cedures. This could explain why majority of the respondents were unaware of the presence

The study revealed (as shown in table 4 on page 15) that there was a huge training gap in the use of MRI equipment. This was evident from the low general knowledge in MRI exhib‐ ited by the respondents, which was collaborated during the interview. The knowledge de‐ fect was also demonstrated by the fact that most of the respondent did not provide accurate responses to the questionnaires, a situation which may be attributable to the lack of policies

The study also found out that the design of the MRI suite did not conform to the basic de‐ sign feature of a well laid out MRI unit as described by various organisations including the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Organisations (JCAHO); International Building Code (IBC); Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)}. The defect in the design of the unit may be as a result of its mergence with the Computed Tomography (CT-scan) unit and other imaging modality units. The old CT- scan unit was collapsed and expanded to make room for the MRI unit and other imaging units thus preventing the ideal

The responses on the general knowledge on MRI confirmed the training defect. It is possible that the few radiographers who had some knowledge about MRI acquired it through per‐ sonal effort and on the job observations. Thus the absence of a framework for operational safety of the MRI could be a major issue that militates against the effective practice of safety

ley before being sent to the scanning room.

of anaesthetic services at the radiography department.

**6.4. MRI training and unit design features**

design of an MRI unit to be built out.

**6.5. General knowledge about MRI**

at the MRI unit in the radiology department of the hospital.

lines (Ferris *et al.,* 2007).

and guidelines.

Safety of patients and staff around the MRI unit is a critical issue in the practice of diagnos‐ tic radiology due to the high magnetic fields and radiofrequencies associated with the oper‐ ations of the MRI scanner. Magnetic field associated with the MRI scanner is 10,000 times higher than the earth's magnetic field; therefore a detection of the smallest amount of fer‐ rous in any material is essential. It is therefore essential that radiographers take practical steps to identify any unknown material in or on any patient or staff that may be ferrous in nature or magnetic-sensitive.

The creation of an attitude of safety screening, however, requires a firm commitment of both senior management and staff of the hospital, which must be communicated through policies and local rules.
