Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization in a Ghanaian teaching hospital: trend and policy implications

BACKGROUND: The use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is new in Ghana compared with some Western countries. A number of studies have observed increased MRI utilization due to increased sensitivity to diagnosis, and the paradigm shift to modalities that do not use radiation. Challenges with MRI use include high cost of the examination and inappropriate requests by referring clinicians. OBJECTIVE: To determine the MRI utilisation trend in Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Ghana and its policy implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study undertaken in the Radiology Department, KBTH, from February to March, 2017. Eight hundred and forty request forms for MRI studies between January, 2013 and December 2016 were reviewed. Information on patient's age and sex, number of MRI studies done, body parts and clinical conditions evaluated, appropriateness of clinical requests and existing policies on MRI in Ghana was gathered. Measures of central tendency and spread were obtained. Chi square, Pearson's correlation and linear regression analysis were also used in the analysis. RESULTS: The top three body parts requested were Spine (55 %), Brain (19%) and Joints (6 %); degenerative disease was the most common clinical condition evaluated. Significant association and correlation were obtained between of the number of body parts evaluated and examination year as well as the variety of clinical conditions requested and examination year. CONCLUSION: A progressive increase was noted in MRI utilisation both in number and diversity but no policy guiding MRI use in Ghana exists. FUNDING: None declared