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MRI Device Safety Database
June 23, 2010
The new Partners Radiology MRI Device Safety Database!
Goal:
To provide a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) resource of safety information related to implantable devices for the Partners network to use and contribute to.
Summary:
The MRI Safety team identified the benefits of having a Partners-wide database to store MRI safety information regarding the effects of implantable objects/devices. Currently all patients scheduled for an MRI are screened prior to the exam and any implantable objects/devices are documented. Then someone from the MRI team references Shellock’s “The List” (book or website) to determine if the device is MRI safe. If the device is not in Shellock's then the object/device is individually researched to determine if the device is safe or not. This often involves calling Shellock's, the manufacturer, or reaching out to other credible sources. Once the object/device is determined to be MRI safe or not, this information is not always retained for future reference in the event that another patient has the same device nor is it easily shared across the network. This results in duplicate and redundant efforts.
Each site agreed to provide Partners Radiology with all the object/device research information they have collected on their own for devices not currently found in Shellock's. This information will be put into a Partners Radiology database for all PHS sites to access. Then going forward any newly researched devices will be added to the database. This will provide the MRI staff with an additional resource to look up device safety information, and it will reduce the duplication of work because upon researching a device once the information will be entered into the database for future reference by any PHS site.
Partners Radiology collected reference information on implantable devices from each of the sites and compiled it into a database. The MRI Safety Team performed a full audit of all the entries in the database to ensure the accuracy of the information provided. The details/comments field of each device provides the specific details of any devices labeled ‘conditional’. In addition, every device has a corresponding document and/or webpage that provides the safety information (usually directly from the manufacturer).
On May 3, 2010 the database was officially rolled out to the MRI staff at various sites. Partners Radiology developed a training module for viewers as well as one for the team which includes all of the editing functions. At the end of the training module staff click on a link to certify completion of the training. We have received much feedback from the team and users as to how useful a resource this is.
Any PHS employee can access this database through the Partners SharePoint site. Please click here to see the site.
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