J Med Imaging Radiat Sci. 2022 Sep 23:S1939-8654(22)00354-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jmir.2022.09.002. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Vertigo has been reported by operators and patients during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and found to increase in severity as the strength of the scanner magnet increases. This study examined a cohort of MRI radiographers’ awareness of MRI-induced vertigo and their perspectives on post-MRI care.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a web-based survey distributed to 110 radiographers. The 18-item survey included questions to elicit demographic information, MRI radiographers’ awareness of MRI-induced vertigo, and their perspectives on the post-MRI care that should be provided to patients. Responses were collected between June 2021 and January 2022. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, version 27.
RESULTS: A total of 110 MRI radiographers completed the survey. Participants were predominantly male (64.5 %) and working in public practice (91.8 %). Almost all the radiographers were aware of MRI-induced vertigo. About two-thirds of participants knew patients needed assistance off the couch. Nearly all participants knew patients should be asked about their experience with MRI-induced vertigo after their procedures. There were statistically significant associations between the size of magnetic field strength used by the participants and their appreciation of the needed support for patients post-MRI examinations (p= 0.012).
CONCLUSION: This study provides the first insight into Saudi Arabian MRI radiographers’ awareness and perceptions of MRI-induced vertigo. Radiographers were largely aware of MRI-induced vertigo and the supportive care they were supposed to provide their patients.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The current study points to a need for training to expand awareness levels of MRI-induced vertigo among a few Saudi MRI radiographers.
PMID:36163238 | DOI:10.1016/j.jmir.2022.09.002
