Safety related for lone working magnetic resonance technologists in Southern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objective: Working in the magnetic resonance imaging unit as a lone MR technologist is associated with high risk (such as projectile and thermal burns). The safety in the MRI environment could be a major concern for a single worker in absence of a partner. This study aims to assess the safety of lone MR technologists in Saudi Arabia's Southern Regions. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study using a self-report questionnaire was carried out in 23 hospitals, between public and private in Southern regions of Saudi Arabia. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The response rate from MR technologists was 79% (73/92). The study found that most MR technologists have an experience with lone working (84%), the privet hospitals tends to arrange MR technologists to work alone (p-value 0.044). Lone working is associated with a higher rate of occurrence of accidents/mistakes and concerns (64.3% and 65.57%, respectively) compared to working as an MR technologist in the presence of other medical staff (such as nurses) which appeared as follows (54.8% and 59.65%, respectively); both types of workers individually showed a high level of self-confidence. The MRI safety policies were followed in 84% of departments. However, 71% of participants showed poor awareness about the regulations of lone working, and only about half of the technologists got training in MRI safety. Conclusion: MR technologists from Southern Saudi Arabia regions had experience with lone working in the MRI unit. The rate of working alone was associated with a higher level of concerns and accidents/mistakes. There is a need to raise MR technologists’ awareness regarding MRI safety regulations.

Keywords

• Magnetic resonance safety
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Lone working
• Saudi Arabia
• Occupational health
• Magnetic resonance technologist