🍉🍎🍍Low hanging Fruits of MRI Safety with Kelly Mantooth, National MRI Safety Trainer at Metrasens

🎤In this podcast, Reggie and Robert Interview Kelly Mantooth RT(R)(MR), MRSO(MRSC), MRSE(MRSC), an MR Safety expert, to discuss improving MR safety practices, with a focus on low-cost or no-cost measures that can be implemented. She share her experiences and insights on various topics such as patient screening, zoning, equipment labeling, staff training, incident reporting, and policy development. Key takeaways include the importance of closing doors, maintaining barriers, proper patient positioning, heat sink usage, and having dedicated MR safety personnel and committees. The discussion also touches on remote scanning considerations, liability concerns, and the role of an MRMD (MR Medical Director) in risk-benefit assessments and off-label scanning approvals.

Chapters 📨
00:00 Disclaimer
00:29 Introduction and Guest Background
The video begins with introductions of the hosts and guest, Kelly Mantooth, an experienced MR technologist and certified MRSO (MR Safety Officer), MRSE (MR Safety Expert) and National MRI Safety Trainer at Metrasens. Kelly shares her background, including her journey into the MR field and the mentors who encouraged her to pursue MR safety certifications.

00:03:05 🍎Improving MR Safety: Low-Hanging Fruit
The discussion shifts to identifying low-cost or no-cost measures to improve MR safety. Kelly suggests closing the door to the MR suite when not in use, maintaining barriers between the patient and the magnet, and implementing a full stop final check with patients before scanning. She also recommends having policies on mode selection, changing patients to hospital gowns, and removing medication patches that could pose risks.

00:20:25 🍍Zoning, Access Control, and Equipment Labeling
Kelly emphasizes the importance of proper zoning, access control, and equipment labeling. She suggests implementing badge access to Zone 3, screening all personnel entering Zone 3, and labeling equipment as safe or conditional before entering the MR environment. Ferromagnetic detection systems and tech gates are also discussed as additional safety measures.

00:28:45 🍉Staff Training and Incident Reporting
The discussion covers the need for annual MR safety training for all staff, including non-MR personnel, level 1 (responsible for self), and level 2 (responsible for others). Kelly stresses the importance of reporting adverse events, near misses, and good catches to identify areas for improvement and prevent future incidents. She also recommends having an MR safety committee to conduct root cause analyses and implement corrective actions.

00:40:05 🍇Remote Scanning and Staffing Considerations
The participants discuss the emerging trend of remote scanning and the potential safety considerations involved. Kelly suggests having trained MR personnel present during scans, even if not MR technologists. She also recommends having at least 1.5 staff members per scanner to ensure proper patient monitoring, emergency response, and adherence to safety protocols.

00:52:53 🍌MRMD Role and Risk-Benefit Assessments
The role of an MRMD (MR Medical Director) is highlighted as crucial for risk-benefit assessments, off-label scanning approvals, and establishing policies and procedures. Kelly emphasizes that technologists should not make decisions regarding off-label scanning, as it falls under the practice of medicine. She recommends having policies in place for handling such situations, especially during off-hours.

01:04:04 🍑Additional Safety Considerations
Other safety measures discussed include conducting mock codes and fire drills, implementing pocketless scrubs for staff, addressing tattoo heating risks, and prohibiting cell phone use in the MR environment to maintain undivided attention on patients. Kelly also shares personal experiences with adverse events to emphasize the importance of learning from mistakes and implementing corrective actions.

Metrasense Website - https://www.metrasens.com/