Developing patient-centred MRI safety culture: a quality improvement report

OBJECTIVE: Despite having a detailed MRI-safety questionnaire check at the point of referral, we have encountered a significant number of near-misses with patients being identified with MRI-Unsafe devices at the time of appointments, making this an important safety hazard. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A two-part survey was performed to assess referrer compliance of asking MRI-questionnaires. 120 outpatients across 3 MRI sites were interviewed at the time of appointment to confirm whether their referrers completed the MRI questionnaires with them at the time of referral. Location: Department of Radiology, Ninewells Hospital, Perth Royal Infirmary and Stracathro Hospital in Scotland. RESULTS: Only 50–55 % of patients confirmed that they were asked about presence of a pacemaker at the point of referral. Less than 50 % of patients reported being asked about other potential hazards. Suggested strategies for change: (1) Risk Alert—Sent to all MRI referrers in the organization. ( 2) Changes to MRI Safety Questionnaire. (3) Feedback mechanism to referrers—NHS trust website publications on number of recorded near-misses and wasted appointments due to MRI-safety issues. (4) Compulsory education/training of future referrers (junior doctors/allied health professionals). (5) Education of patients/public on MRI safety—Displaying patient information leaflets/posters in waiting areas of the hospital. Key measures for improvement: (1) Reduction in number of recorded near-misses. (2) System improvements, referrer and patient education, reduction of wasted MRI appointments and improvement of waiting-times for MRI appointments Effects of survey and conclusions: The survey highlights the possibility of inadequate referrer attention, and poor patient communication about MRI safety questionnaire with regards to potential hazards of MRI examination in presence of undeclared implants. It initiated several interventions resulting in improved patient safety, with no events in next 12 months, whilst promoting public and referrer’s understanding of potential MRI safety issues. Such actions are recommended for all NHS centres across UK since there are significant similarities in functioning across UK.