Respiratory Therapists' Knowledge and Attitudes on Safe Ventilator Management in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Units: A Cross-sectional Study

• Published in: Saudi Critical Care Journal Vol. 8; no. 1; pp. 8 - 16
• Main Authors: Hadi, Yasser H., Alrefaei, Mosaab G., Almfrege, Abdullah A., Mohammed, Assala D., Sendi, Eyad T., Alahmadi, Ghadi S., Hakami, Aishah M., Alzahrani, Raniya M., Hawsawi, Hassan B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2024
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: Original Article
• DOI: 10.4103/sccj.sccj_7_24
• ISSN: 2543-1854

Abstract Background: Respiratory therapists (RTs) play a crucial role in managing ventilators in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units, where magnetic fields pose safety risks, emphasizing the need for comprehensive knowledge of MRI safety procedures to prevent patient harm. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate RTs' knowledge of MRI systems and safety procedures to ensure the safe and effective management of ventilators within an MRI environment. Subjects and Methods: An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Questionnaires were distributed to RTs via various social media platforms, collecting data from multiple cities and hospitals. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 22. Results: The study included 269 participants, with 37.9% of females and 62.1% of males. Regarding MRI safety knowledge, 48.0% of participants received training during orientation, while 20.4% received no training postgraduation. In addition, 69.5% lacked certification in MRI safety. Despite this, 88.1% reported no safety incidents, and 90.7% acknowledged the importance of communication with MRI teams. Significant relationships were found between MRI safety knowledge and variables such as age (P = 0.042), time since last learning (P = 0.0001), and the institution of the last qualification (P = 0.004). Conclusion: This study identifies significant gaps in MRI safety knowledge among RTs in Saudi Arabia, with 69.5% lacking formal certification. Despite these gaps, 88.1% reported no incidents. The findings underscore the need for structured training programs and continuous professional development to enhance MRI safety and improve patient care. Policymakers should mandate comprehensive MRI safety training to ensure consistent practices across health-care facilities.