Survey on Safety Awareness of Medical Personnel Regarding Use of MRI Technology

Abstract

In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey on the level of safety awareness regarding the operation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems in order to identify a means of risk communication for the safe utilization of MRI systems among medical staffs. The subjects were 246 participants and the level of awareness was assessed on a four-point scale. For all 20 questions, the radiological technologists (N=51) scored significantly higher (p<0.001, t-test) than those in other medical occupations (N=190). A factor analysis of the results yielded the following three factors: Factor 1, safety awareness related to MRI examinations; Factor 2, safety awareness related to magnetic fields; and Factor 3, safety awareness related to MRI equipment. In a comparison of subscale scores for each factor by occupation and by presence or absence of experience in MRI examinations, Factor 2 scored highest (Tukey-kramer, p<0.001) in all cases. For the other factors, the level of awareness among respondents in occupations other than radiological technologist was low. The results also indicated that the effect of experience in MRI examinations on the level of awareness is limited. Since problems in operating MRI systems can lead to serious personal injury, it is advisable to provide safety training and other measures in view of these results.