Performance Evaluation of a Magnetic Resonance Imager with Evidence-Based Decision Making Tools.

Abstract

Evidence-based decision-making tools were used to evaluate the performance of a 16-year-old 1.5T Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI) that has been fully dedicated to clinical service in a public hospital in Mexico. The MRI age highlights the importance of regular performance evaluations to ensure that the equipment is still functioning optimally, even when the system went through an important software and hardware updated. The use of Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making is an effective method to evaluate the performance of complex systems like MR imagers. A technical global indicator was set, revealing that only 50% of available time has been used is interesting and could be further investigated to determine if there are any factors limiting the usage of the system. The good performance indicators in terms of productivity, availability, and technical aspects are encouraging and suggest that the updated software and hardware have had a positive impact on the overall performance of the system.Finally, the use of evidence-based decision-making tools to evaluate the performance of the MR imager was a successful approach and can serve as a model for other healthcare facilities to follow.Clinical Relevance- MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic test that uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to obtain detailed images of internal structures of the body. Unlike X-rays and CT scans, which use ionizing radiation, MRI does not expose patients to harmful radiation, making it a safe option for diagnostic imaging. The use of MRI a valuable tool for characterizing lesions, detecting abnormalities, and monitoring disease progression and it is widely used in several medical fields, including neurology, oncology, and orthopedics, among others. Therefore, ensuring that the MRI system is working optimally is crucial for providing reliable and accurate results, which can lead to timely and appropriate treatment for patients.