**5. Results**

thirty one radiographers, twelve are degree holders, fifteen are diploma holders and the rest

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

The entire population of radiographers was used for the study. This gave a population size that was easy to handle and ensure an effective statistical analysis to be done (Burns and Grove, 2001). Using a small data set makes it possible to overcome the inconveniences creat‐ ed by lack of time, ensures homogeneity, improves the accuracy and quality of the data (At‐ kinson, 2000; Ader*et al.,* 2008). In Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, there are no specialized or permanent MRI radiographers and all of them rotate periodically to the MRI unit; hence the

Polgar and Thomas (2000) emphasized that in any scientific research the primary considera‐ tion is the protection of the rights and welfare of participants. Thus, ethical approval was sought from the Ethical Review Committee of the School of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Permission was also sought from the Dr. Frank G. Shellock (2002) to reproduce content in his work and from the Institute for Magnetic Reso‐ nance Safety, Education and Research as well as the Radiology Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for the use of facility for the study. Informed consent was sought from participants in the form of written consent forms after the objectives of the study had been explained to them. They were assured of their anonymity, confidentiality of identity and in‐

A self- administered open and closed ended survey questionnaire was used to obtain data from the participants. Before the main study, a pilot study involving three radiographers was conducted to assess the validity and reliability of the questionnaires. A modified check‐ list designed by Gillies (2002) was attached to the pilot phase for respondents to make sug‐ gestions that helped to modify the questionnaire as required. Ambiguity was thus removed;

A structured interview also was conducted with a member of the hospital management. This was to obtain additional data, validate and verify results obtained from the survey (Pol‐ gar and Thomas, 2000). Policy formulation and supervision of implementation is the respon‐ sibility of management of the hospital and the department (Beddoe *et al.,* 2004). Thus interviewing members of the management was considered the best way to obtain detailed

Questions on the framework of operational safety of the MRI unit, training programmes and practical safety problems faced by the MRI unit were among other things asked during the interview. The interview was electronically recorded, transcribed and data grouped into

The data obtained from the questionnaires was rearranged in an ordered manner to enhance its processing by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Nominal and ordinal levels of measurement were used because the study design was a descriptive survey (Burns and Grove, 2001). Results were presented using descriptive statistics in the form of

reason for using the entire population of radiographers for the study.

clarity of the format and design adopted was also ensured (Bailey, 1997).

and comprehensive information about safety management.

are certificate holders.

formation provided.

themes and analyzed.

charts, frequency tables and percentages.

This study investigated the availability of safety policies and guidelines and adherence to them by staff at the MRI suite of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. It also investigated the de‐ sign features of the MRI suite as to whether it meets the acceptable safety standards. A total of thirty-one closed ended questionnaires (31) were distributed to all the practicing radiog‐ raphers twenty eight (28) questionnaires were completed and returned completed giving a response rate of 90.3% (n=28/31).


**Table 2.** Demographic Data of the Respondents

The profile above shows that the ratio of male to female respondents was 3:1. Nearly half of the respondents (42.9%) were both diploma and degree holders respectively

**Figure 1.** Area of work of Respondents. As shown, majority (47%) of Radiographers were engaged in general radiog‐ raphy.

In Table 3, majority of 92.9 % (n=26/28) of the respondents stressed the need to restrict access to the MRI suite. Additionally, 75.0 % (n= 21/28) of the respondents were of the view that patients should be screened before allowed to enter MRI suites. However, only ten out of twenty eight (n= 10/28= 35.7%) suggested screening for radiographers' (workers), before

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

Table 3 also shows that 57.1% (16/28) of the respondents mentioned the presence of lockers in the MRI suite to store personal belongings that may be ferrous in nature or has magnetic stripes. Furthermore, 75% (n=21/28) reported that equipment used in the MRI environment undergo regular quality check. However, 82.0% (23/28) of the respondents disclosed that the equipment in the MRI unit did not have colour codes to identify ferrous material and MRI

Majority of the respondents (92.9%) reported that prior to procedure or examination, pa‐ tients are asked to complete questionnaires to determine any contraindications they may have. A significant majority (53.6%) reported the presence of emergency exits to the MRI suite. Finally 75.0% of the respondents were unaware of availability of anaesthesia services

**Responses to Safety MRI training**

**Yes No**

MRI safety issues? 6 (21.4%) 22 (78.6%) 28 (100.0%)

programmes, if yes to question 18? 4 (14.3%) 24 (85.7%) 28 (100.0%)

Q17 Do you know the MRI zones? 8 (28.6%) 20 (71.4 %) 28 (100.0%)

Training gap was identified in the use of MRI equipment and safety as demonstrated in Ta‐ ble 4 71.4% of the respondents were not aware of the existence of any MRI zones in the suite.

Table 5 shows that in general, the majority of the responded were unaware of the basic

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

**and unit design features Total**

http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/52699

67

at MRI unit for patients who would require anaesthesia as part of the procedure.

they enter the MRI suite.

safety material.

**Question**

**Code QUESTIONS**

Q15 Have you had any training programme(s) on

Q16 Have you attended any of such training

knowledge about the operations of MRI.

**Table 4.** Responses to Safety MRI Training and Unit Design Features

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


**Table 3.** Responses to MRI Safety Issues

In Table 3, majority of 92.9 % (n=26/28) of the respondents stressed the need to restrict access to the MRI suite. Additionally, 75.0 % (n= 21/28) of the respondents were of the view that patients should be screened before allowed to enter MRI suites. However, only ten out of twenty eight (n= 10/28= 35.7%) suggested screening for radiographers' (workers), before they enter the MRI suite.

Table 3 also shows that 57.1% (16/28) of the respondents mentioned the presence of lockers in the MRI suite to store personal belongings that may be ferrous in nature or has magnetic stripes. Furthermore, 75% (n=21/28) reported that equipment used in the MRI environment undergo regular quality check. However, 82.0% (23/28) of the respondents disclosed that the equipment in the MRI unit did not have colour codes to identify ferrous material and MRI safety material.

Majority of the respondents (92.9%) reported that prior to procedure or examination, pa‐ tients are asked to complete questionnaires to determine any contraindications they may have. A significant majority (53.6%) reported the presence of emergency exits to the MRI suite. Finally 75.0% of the respondents were unaware of availability of anaesthesia services at MRI unit for patients who would require anaesthesia as part of the procedure.


**Table 4.** Responses to Safety MRI Training and Unit Design Features

**Question**

**Code QUESTIONS**

Q1 Is there a restricted access to everyone who

Q2 Do you undertake screening of patients who

Q3 Do you undertake screening of staff who

Q5 Are there lockers to store personal

Q6 Is the equipment used in the MRI

Q7 Does the equipment used in the MRI unit

Q9 Do patients complete any MRI history and

Q11 Are there proximity access doors and

Q12 Do you face any problems in your bid to

Q14 Is there an assigned anaesthetist to the MRI

**Table 3.** Responses to MRI Safety Issues

belongings that may be ferrous in nature or has a magnetic stripes in the MRI Unit

environment checked by any authority, deemed MRI safe and labelled as such prior to implementation?

have colour codes to identify ferrous material and MRI safety material?

assessmentform that addresses possible contraindications prior to any MRI procedure?

emergency exits to MRI suite?

ensure the safety of patients and staff in the MRI unit?

unit to undertake procedures that need patients to be anesthetized?

**Responses to MRI Safety issues**

**Yes No**

16 (57.1%) 12 (42.9%) 28 (100.0%)

21 (75.0 %) 7 (25.0%) 28 (100.0%)

5 (17.9%) 23 (82.1) 28 (100.0%)

26 (92.9% ) 2 (7.1%) 28 (100.0%)

15 (53.6%) 13 (46.4%) 28 (100.0%)

14 (50.0%) 14 (50.0 %) 28 (100.0%)

7 (25.0%) 21 (75.0%) 28 (100.0%)

comes to the MRI Suite 26 (92.9%) 2 (7.1 %) 28 (100.0%)

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

enter the MRI Suite? 21 (75.0%) 7 (25.0%) 28 (100.0%)

enters the MRI Suite? 10 (35.7 %) 18 (64.3 %) 28 (100.0%)

**Total**

Training gap was identified in the use of MRI equipment and safety as demonstrated in Ta‐ ble 4 71.4% of the respondents were not aware of the existence of any MRI zones in the suite.

Table 5 shows that in general, the majority of the responded were unaware of the basic knowledge about the operations of MRI.
