Shielding from Harm: The MRI Screening Tool-The First Line of Defense in MRI Safety

摘要

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) poses multiple levels of risk to patients and providers. Those working with MRI need to be continually conscious of the associated risks to prevent adverse events. The MRI screening tool, used to initially screen patients for safety risks in the MRI environment, is the first line of defense to protect patients from harm. The screening tool is often initiated by nursing, either nurses working in the radiology department or the bedside nurses caring for patients in the hospital. A better understanding of the risks inherent to the MRI environment and the importance of the MRI screening questions by nursing may result in improved patient screening, thus better care of patients in MRI. I recently had the privilege to sit down with Dr. Emanuel Kanal, a passionate advocate of MRI safety, to talk about the MRI screening tool and why we ask the questions we ask. Presented here is a summary of that conversation.