Advancing MRI Safety: highlights from the MRI Safety Update and Innovations Day 2024

MRI Safety Matters hosted the MRI Safety Update and Innovations Day 2024 at the Royal College of Physicians in London on Saturday, November 9, a landmark event dedicated to advancing MRI safety practices and technologies. Held both in-person and virtually this hybrid event drew attendees from around the world, from Australia to Nepal to North America, uniting MRI professionals passionate about learning from leading experts in their field. The event ensured wide access to a comprehensive agenda of lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities focused on MRI safety and innovations.

The carefully curated schedule featured a wide range of sessions aimed at equipping attendees with actionable insights. Topics included:

• ‘Remote MRI Scanning Safety Standards’ and ‘The Need for Better MRI Adverse Event Reporting’ by Tobias Gilk, who addressed emerging concerns and the need for industry-wide safety improvements.
• ‘Principles and Applications of Gradient Echo Imaging’ and ‘Shaking up MRI – Magnetic Resonance Elastography’ by Professor Martin Graves, who explored the evolution and future applications of these imaging techniques.
• ‘Preparing for Emergency Situations in MRI’ led by Erica Scurr, who described crucial strategies for managing unexpected challenges in the MRI suite. This was later echoed in Noyal Mathew’s presentation ‘Development of an MRI Safety Simulation Series’.
• ‘A Study of Ferromagnetic Detectors for Undisclosed Pacemaker and Diabetes Management Devices Prior to MRI’ by Dr Mark Keene, who provided insights into the role ferromagnetic detectors can have for identifying ferrous items. Hannah Barnsley later told us of development of a new eLearning programme designed to teach radiographers how to identify certain implants using x-rays.
• ‘A General Framework for Safe and Efficient Management of MR Safety’ presented by John Newton, who provided an insight into how role development of radiographers has positively impacted on local patient services.
• ‘First Experiences with Gadopiclenol’ by Dr Emanuel Kanal presenting virtually, who described his experiences of using this new MRI contrast agent.
• ‘Using AI to Enhance the Patient Experience in MRI’ by Julien Greggio, who explored how artificial intelligence can transform patient interactions and experiences within MRI settings.
• Dr Jonathan Ashmore provided an update on the progress of developing generic implant safety procedures. Jonathan’s second talk, ‘Using Virtual Reality to Prepare Children for MRI’, featured ‘Rocket Ted’ in a highly entertaining lecture about the new app My MRI Buddy.
• Cassandra Baker’s virtual presentation described her paper ‘Recommendations to Prevent MRI-Related Skin Burns’. Cassandra explained how using the acronym ‘RIC’ may help to remind practitioners of the need to ‘Remove’ electrically conductive items, ‘Insulate’ the patient from conductive items and ‘Communicate’ with the aim of preventing this type of burn from occurring.

The event’s keynote speaker, Tobias Gilk, renowned MRI safety advocate, offered insights into best practices in MRI safety management, regulation, and technological advancements. Gilk’s presentations emphasised the global MRI community’s shared responsibility in fostering a culture of safety, backed by practical strategies for addressing the complexities of MRI safety protocols.

Highlights of this event were the emphasis on collaboration and the vital role of industry partners in driving MRI safety forward, as Tobias Gilk passionately articulated: “Events like this, supported by incredible sponsors, are invaluable for fostering collaboration, connecting professionals, and advancing MRI safety worldwide. It’s the combination of cutting-edge insights and practical tools that truly equips attendees to handle the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Barbara Nugent, founder of MRI Safety Matters and organiser of the event, reflected on the significance of the day: “This event is a testament to the collective effort of the MRI community to push the boundaries of safety and innovation. It’s not just about sharing knowledge; it’s about creating a space where professionals, sponsors, and industry leaders can come together to inspire progress and improve patient care. Seeing the passion and engagement from everyone involved is truly rewarding.”

The day included networking sessions with industry partners, vendors, and fellow professionals, providing attendees with invaluable opportunities to connect with experts, discuss innovations, and share insights. Attendees also had the chance to participate in an FMD workshop, adding hands-on learning to the event’s educational offerings.

Vendors showcased the latest advancements in MRI safety, including tools and technologies designed to tackle all manner of challenges. The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors committed to MRI safety and education: platinum sponsor, Metrasens; silver sponsor, Bayer; bronze sponsors, Esaote, Probo Medical, Fujifilm Healthcare UK, Siemens Healthineers, Guerbet, GE HealthCare and Pearl Technology AG; remote sponsor, Bracco; and supporting sponsor, BAMRR.

Each in-person attendee received The MRI Practitioner’s Handbook, a resource developed by Barbara Nugent to support MRI professionals in their daily practice. It contains safety checklists, suggestions for content to include when developing local procedures, links to MRI educational resources, and multiple templates for noting specific MRI information and protocols. This handbook, combined with a CPD certificate listing the learning outcomes supported by the College of Radiographers CPD NOW scheme, underscores attendees’ commitment to professional development and helps them gain valuable CPD.

Tobias Gilk added: “This event also showcases how rapidly the MRI world is evolving and the crucial need for resources like The MRI Practitioner’s Handbook. So much of what we know in MRI safety is passed down second-hand, but this handbook is a game-changer—it compiles essential, practical knowledge into a single, accessible toolkit.”

Attendee feedback praised both the format and content of the event, with remarks such as:

• “I really loved hearing different experts’ perspectives on MRI Safety. I got a lot of value from the day.”
• “It’s really interesting to see how different institutions do MRI safety and how they differ, which makes me explore how we can improve on ours.”
• “I like how there are different people from different backgrounds, very much radiographer-led. It’s interesting to see how they’re managing their departments. I’m getting a lot of value from the day on things I can apply to my day to day.”

Barbara Nugent added: “Each year, our MRI Safety events grow bigger and better, bringing together the brightest minds in the field. Tickets sell out fast, so don’t miss your chance to join us next time—secure your spot early and be part of the movement shaping the future of MRI safety!”

The MRI Safety Update & Innovations Day 2024 was a resounding success, bringing MRI safety professionals together to learn, connect, and advance safety standards. If you missed it, On-Demand access is still available at mrisafetymatters.com. MRI Safety Matters will be hosting the 2025 MRI Safety Update and Innovations Day on Saturday, November 1. For more information on upcoming events, please visit the website.

This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.