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 Safety questions – pending
MRI Checklist – pending
Next Steps
The SLWG is scheduled to continue to meet over the coming months. The process of creating a ‘dynamic’ electronic standardised MRI Safety referral form is in progress now that there is agreement on core questions. It is hoped that there can be full integration with Electronic patient records and Radiology information systems. The group are currently reviewing Radiology Departmental MRI Safety checklists with a view to agreeing a standardised approach. The group will be stood down until early 2025 when an audit of the implementation of the safety questions will be carried out.