Radiographer training for screening of patients referred for Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A scoping review

Strict safety practices are essential to ensure the safety of patients and staff in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Training regarding the fundamentals of MRI safety is well-established and commonly agreed upon. However, more complex aspect of screening patients, such as image review or screening of unconscious patients/patients with communication difficulties is less well discussed. The current UK and USA guidelines do not suggest the use of communication training for MRI staff nor indicate any training to encourage reviewing images in the screening process. This review aims to map the current guidance regarding safety and patient screening training for MRI diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers.

A systematic search of PubMed, Trip Medical database and Radiography journal was conducted. Studies were chosen based on the review objectives and pre-determined inclusion/exclusion criteria using the PRISMA-ScR framework.

Twenty-four studies were included in the review, which identified some key concepts including MRI safety training and delivery methods, screening and communication, screening of unconscious or non-ambulatory patients and the use of imaging.

Training gaps lie within the more complex elements of screening such as the inclusiveness of question phrasing, particularly to the neurodivergent population, how we teach radiographers to screen unconscious/unresponsive patients and using imaging to detect implants.

The consequences of incomplete or inaccurate pre-MRI safety screening could be the introduction of unexpected implants into the scanner or forgoing MRI for a less desirable modality. The development of enhanced training programs in implant recognition using imaging and communication could complement existing training.