SU-E-E-02: Introduction to a Comprehensive MR Safety Course for Medical Students

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose is to introduce an educational MR safety module with a concise multiple choice exam for instructing medical students about basic MR and patient related safety. The MR safety course can be implemented as a traditional didactic lecture, interactive, or self administered online. The goal of the course is to make sure that medical students get a basic understanding of MR principles and safety considerations. It prepares the medical students for optimal ordering of MR studies while emphasizing patient screening and safety. A standardized multiple choice exam, accessible through the internet and the program ExamWeb (Exam Web, LLC; Newport Beach, CA) at the end of the course documents the proficiency of the medical students. The course can be used universally by all medical school programs and will help to ensure consistent quality of teaching materials and MR safety standards. Methods: 1.) Course description and examples of implementation2.) Importance of MR safety for physicians3.) MR principles and magnetic fields a) Static magnetic fields (B0) b) Radiofrequency field (B1) c) Gradient fields (Gx, Gy, Gz)4.) Effects of magnetic fields in an MR suite a) Attractive forces on ferromagnetic objects b) Projectile effects c) Thermal effects d) Peripheral nerve stimulation5.) Types of MR systems6.) Fringe fields and 5 Gauss line7.) MR screening procedures a) Implanted devices (e.g. pacemakers, hearing aids, surgical implants) b) Pregnancy c) MR contrast agent reactions and renal insufficiency8.) Emergency procedures in an MR suite Results: This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview on the implementation of an MR safety course for medical students. Conclusion: Education in MR safety for medical students will enable these future physicians to optimize requests for MR studies by increasing their u=derstanding of patient screening and safety procedures.