A new e-learning program for identifying medical implants on x-rays: does it improve radiographer confidence and patient safety?

Abstract

Background:

Identifying internal implants prior to MRI is essential to prevent patient harm. Pre-MRI safety screening consists of a written questionnaire and verbal review1. However, accidental exposure of unknown/unexpected implants to MRI is still documented internationally2,3. Inaccuracies in questionnaire responses may lead radiographers to make safety-critical decisions based on potentially incomplete information. The routine review of pre-existing imaging could prevent this issue, but there was no training to teach radiographers to find and name implants on x-rays. The authors developed an online program, hosted on the eLearning for Healthcare (eLfH) platform4, for this purpose and solicited participant feedback.

Method:

Pre- and post-learning anonymous surveys, designed to assess participants’ confidence in identifying implants, were included with the first module (chest implants).

Results:

The tables present the percentage distribution of respondents across self-reported confidence levels in finding and naming implants, before and after the training. For both passive and active implants, the proportion of respondents reporting being very or fairly confident in finding and naming implants increased post-training, whereas the proportion reporting little or no confidence decreased.

Additionally, 87% of respondents found the module extremely helpful/very helpful, and 85% reported being extremely/very satisfied with the range of implants included. 87% rated the content quality as excellent or very good.

Conclusion:

Group-level comparisons indicate a shift toward greater confidence in both the finding and naming of implants following training. This programme may improve radiographers' confidence in using X-rays for MRI safety screening and could contribute to improved patient safety.