Posted by The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment involves a strong, static magnetic field, a magnetic field that changes with time (pulsed gradient field), and radiofrequency energy, each of which carry specific safety concerns. While every MRI tech is well-versed in safety as part of their daily jobs, Sara Sullivan decided to take safety a step further.
“I think we can always make our environment safer for patients, families, and staff,” Sullivan says. “That’s why I pursued my safety certification.”
Sullivan took a 4-day course in Boston in October 2017 and is now certified as a Medical Radiation Safety Officer (MRSO), one of only two in the province.
“The MRSO certification just allows a little more depth and stresses the importance of safety in this environment,” Sullivan says. “We are now working on policies, a patient brochure and hopefully a video for new staff.”
The IWK is working towards becoming a High Reliability Organization, with safety culture as the central, core deliverable for the organization.