Survey of human errors by radiological technologists in Gunma and evaluation of preventive measures : focusing on CT and MRI examinations

Abstract

Questionnaires were distributed to 553 members of the Gunma Association of Radiological Technologists to survey their experience with errors related to CT and MRI exams. 115 responses were received. Analysis showed that there is no significant relationship between a technologist's degree of busyness and type of error for either CT or MRI exams. The most frequent errors were to mistakenly x-ray the patient (CT exams) and to examine a patient who had a ferromagnetic device (MRI exams). SPN evaluations indicated that the most effective and easily implemented preventive measures are verbal self-confirmation by the patient of their name and other information (CT exams), and use of ferromagnetic device detectors (MRI exams).