MRI —
Training activity: 4

Details

Carry out a risk assessment for scanning  a device which is MR unlabelled or a device whose MR conditions cannot be met

Type

Developmental training activity (DTA)

Evidence requirements

Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.

Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.

An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.

Considerations

• Analysis of literature, including similar devices
• Clinical risk/benefit
• First principles of physics analysis when information is scarce
• Off-label scanning

Reflective practice guidance

The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.

Before action

• Are there specific guidelines or protocols mentioned for risk assessments of unlabelled or incompatible devices?
• What do you need to know before embarking on the activity? What information do you need about risk assessment procedures, MR safety principles, and the specific device in question?
• Consider the specific insights you hope to gain from engaging with the activity. What will you learn about the process of evaluating risks associated with non-standard MRI scanning scenarios?
• Think about what you already know about the task / activity. What is your current understanding of MR safety zones, SAR limits, and contraindications for MRI?
• Discuss the training activity with your training officer to gain clarity of understanding. What is the specific scenario you will be assessing? Are there any specific guidelines you should follow?
• Consider possible challenges you might face during the activity, and think about how you might handle them. How will you deal with uncertainty or lack of information about the device? How will you justify your risk assessment?
• Identify how you feel about embarking on this training activity. Do you feel equipped to perform this risk assessment? What are your concerns, if any?

In action

• Pay attention to your actions.
  • How are you approaching the risk assessment process?
  • What steps are you taking to gather information?
  • What decisions are you making regarding potential risks, likelihood, and severity as you evaluate the device and scanning scenario?
  • What aspects of risk assessment feel intuitive based on your previous knowledge, and what requires a more structured or researched approach?
• How effective are your actions in identifying potential hazards and assessing the associated risks?
  • What challenges are you facing during this risk assessment (e.g., limited information about the device, complex interactions)?
  • What can you learn about conducting risk assessments for non-standard MRI scenarios as you work through this activity?
  • How does this activity connect to your understanding of MRI safety principles and device compatibility?
• Are there alternative approaches you could be considering for mitigating the identified risks?
  • What support or guidance might you need in this moment, such as consulting with senior colleagues or referring to specific safety guidelines?
  • Are you ensuring your risk assessment is within your scope of practice and adheres to departmental policies?

On action

• What were the key factors you considered when carrying out the risk assessment?
  • What specific risks were identified for scanning an MR unlabelled device or a device whose MR conditions cannot be met?
  • What were the complexities or uncertainties involved in assessing these risks?
• What did you learn about the process of risk assessment in the context of MRI safety?
  • Did you gain a better understanding of the potential hazards associated with scanning such devices?
  • What did you learn about the resources or information needed to conduct a thorough risk assessment in these situations?
• How will this experience inform your approach to future risk assessments involving MR safety?
  • What specific areas of MR safety regarding implantable devices will you focus on developing further?
  • What protocols or guidelines might you seek to better understand or contribute to based on this experience?

Beyond action

• Have you subsequently been involved in other complex MRI risk assessments, particularly for patients with devices?
• Have you revisited the risk assessment you performed and considered if any new information or guidelines have emerged since then that might alter your assessment?
• Have you discussed this or similar risk assessment scenarios with colleagues to understand different perspectives or approaches?
• How has this activity enhanced your understanding of MRI safety principles and the specific challenges posed by unlabelled or non-compatible devices?
• Has this experience influenced your approach to identifying and mitigating potential risks in MRI, particularly in complex cases?
• Are you more aware of the importance of thorough documentation and communication in MRI safety procedures as a result of this training activity?
• How will the skills you developed in conducting this detailed risk assessment be applicable to future scenarios involving novel or poorly documented medical devices?
• What clear actions for continued development in your knowledge of medical devices, risk assessment methodologies, or relevant safety guidelines have you identified?
• How might this experience inform your contribution to the development or review of local MRI safety policies and procedures?

Relevant learning outcomes

#	Outcome
# 3	Outcome Appraise and advise on the safe application of MRI in the clinical environment.