Improving Safety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Grounded Theory Approach to Exploring the Perceptions of Technologists and Magnetic Resonance Safety Officers in Pediatric Settings

Author

Stephanie Dawn Lough, University of Nebraska Medical CenterFollow

Graduation Date

Fall 12-19-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Programs

Medical Sciences Interdepartmental Area

First Advisor

Haggar, Faye EdD

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore how efforts to reduce adverse events related to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) exams have influenced safety from the perspective of Magnetic Resonance (MR) technologists and certified Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety Officers (MRSOs) in pediatric facilities. This study also sought information regarding common causes of MR related adverse events, how the American College of Radiology’s (ACR) guidance on MR safe practices has influenced safety in the scanning environment, and how patient and staff safety may be improved from the perspective of technologists performing these exams. The American College of Radiology (ACR) is the premiere professional organization for radiology in the United States and has driven industry-wide change with its formal guidance on the topic of MR safety. These guidelines have been the impetus behind immeasurable positive safety reform in the industry for everything from facility design and the establishment of MR related roles, to safely scanning implants, and proper patient screening, all of which is critically important to safely scanning patients, pediatric or otherwise. The literature revealed a gap exploring MR safety from the perspective of technologists, driving the need to perform this research as this population of healthcare workers was identified as critical in the prevention of safety events. Key findings in this study revealed that participants felt the ACR’s safety guidance is robust and has been effective, yet there are enhancements that could be made, perhaps at the organizational level, to further optimize the work environment. Participants in the study expressed the need for more time in exam execution, stronger support for a culture of safety, more organization-wide MR safety education, and enhanced communication mechanisms. The implications for practice indicate a need to further explore how organizations can enhance their culture of safety to optimize work environments.

Comments

2025 Copyright, the authors

Recommended Citation

Lough, Stephanie Dawn, "Improving Safety in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Grounded Theory Approach to Exploring the Perceptions of Technologists and Magnetic Resonance Safety Officers in Pediatric Settings" (2025). Theses & Dissertations. 1016.
https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/etd/1016