MRI scanners for neurosurgery suite - Essay Example

Review Paragraph This study highlights the importance of maintaining continual vigilance in the presence of high technology equipment such as is contained in the MTI unit. This vigilance extends from the MRI specialized team itself to all persons who enter the MRI area, and to all times of the day and night, even when the equipment appears not to be in use. The case studies quoted show that serious and life-threatening injuries can follow if there is even a momentary lapse in the vigilance of staff.

The main recommendation of the study is the formation of an MRI/surgical safety task force which is responsible for co-ordinating all aspects of MRI safety. Raising awareness and knowledge through carefully targeted staff training is its short term aim, and in the longer term it has a brief to monitor progress, anticipate risks, and make sure that all protocols are followed. It is impossible to eliminate human presence from the equipment and so all possible means should be used to eliminate human errors and oversights which are the highest source of risk.

The protocols of zoning, screening signage and documentation need to be rigorously managed, and staff need to be continually reminded of risks. One worrying factor in this field is the emergence of “sentinel events” which occur from time to time. Some of these involve incidents which could not have been predicted in advance, such as the involvement of items which had been properly checked and this is an area which requires further research.