The MRI Safety Questions Short Life Working Group (SLWG) was commissioned by SCIN to explore the feasibility of using standardised questions when making a referral for MRI examination as part of a ‘Once for Scotland’ approach. The group had its first meeting in June 2023 and since then has been meeting every 4 to 6 weeks. The objectives of the group are to:
- Develop nationally agreed standardised MRI safety referral questions.
- Develop a nationally agreed departmental MRI safety checklist.
Work to date
The group has been successful in agreeing a standardised template of core questions to be used by the referrer. This was then piloted widely (across Primary and Secondary Care as appropriate) and a survey was undertaken to gather feedback. Links to the templates can be found below.
MRI Paper Referral Form
MRI Digital Referral Form
Next Steps
Each health board in Scotland should now look to implement these recommended MRI referral and checklist questions. Guidance on implementing the referral form into the digital systems is included at the end of the document. The SLWG will reconvene in early 2025 when an audit of the implementation of the safety questions will be carried out.