New online MRI safety course for MRMD/MRSO
Safety in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) facilities is paramount. A simple mistake has the potential to injure or kill a patient or healthcare provider. In addition, the MR system may be severely damaged as a result of an accident.
Frank G. Shellock, PhD, an expert with more than 30 years’ experience in MRI safety, is developing a new course. The Magnetic Resonance Medical Director (MRMD)/Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO) Training Program is a comprehensive online course designed specifically for MRI radiologists, MRI technologists, and radiographers and others who desire to further their knowledge, skills, confidence and competency as it relates to MRI safety. This program is intended to be a valuable resource for healthcare professionals who are preparing for the MRMD or the MRSO certification examination from the American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety (ABMRS).
Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Basic MRI physics and relevance to safety
- Bioeffects and safety aspects of static magnetic, gradient magnetic, and RF fields
- MRI issues relating to acoustic noise
- Preventing excessive heating and burns during MRI exams
- Screening patients and other individuals
- MRI issues for implants and devices
- MRI safety concerns for gadolinium-based contrast agents
- Procedures for emergency shutdown, quench, and medical emergencies
- Review of guidelines from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and requirements from The Joint Commission
- Medico-legal considerations of MRI safety.
“Our primary objective is to give the participants detailed information pertaining to all relevant safety topics that can help them become a properly trained MRI safety professional, functioning as a MRMD or MRSO,” Dr. Shellock told Applied Radiology.
Co-developer and presenter William Faulkner, RT(R), an author of several MRI textbooks and a founding board member of the ABMRS, added, “Another goal with this new program is to permit busy healthcare professionals to obtain the necessary comprehensive MRI safety training in an online, on-demand format to increase both their knowledge and confidence.” Similar training programs involve attendance at live lectures, which may not be practical.
The online course is expected to take 14-16 hours to complete. Registrants will have access to all topic modules, facilitating review of course content at any time during the course and after successful completion. Multiple support documents will be available as downloadable PDF files. Importantly, participants will be able to communicate to the course presenters via email, including co-developer Kristan Harrington, RT(R) (MR), a credentialed MRSO.
Dr. Shellock and Mr. Faulkner told Applied Radiology that there is an increased focus on MRI, primarily due to the founding of the ABMRS. “The ABMRS provides certification for MR medical directors, safety officers, and safety experts. MRI technologists, radiologists, medical physicists, and radiology administrative staff are looking for educational programs that provide information to help them understand what is necessary for these roles. This course provides relevant factual information that can help these professionals prepare for certification as a MRMD or MRSO.”
Dr. Shellock, an adjunct clinical professor of radiology and medicine at the Keck School of Medicine and the Director of MRI Studies at the Biomimetic Microelectronic Systems at the University of Southern California, is the author of the medical textbook series, the Reference Manual for Magnetic Resonance Safety, Implants, and Devices, now in its 18th edition. He is a member and Fellow of the American College of Radiology (ACR), the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Dr. Shellock has authored and co-authored more than 250 articles published in peer-review journals.
Information about course registration may be obtained at www.appliedradiology.org/MRSafety.