The role of the RR - MRI

Question 1

What are the simillarities between conventional and CT/MRI?

Answer 1

Legal accountability (same)
Training requirements (same)
Scope of Practice - less than 60 across the UK (England) - Up for debate - can vary tend to focus on the spine and knee - due to volume
Onward referral - not typical (MRI typically last imaging - if further is required would discuss with the radiologist
Job satisfaction - Improved across - high
MDT meeting inclusion - involved in patient pathway
Respect from other professionals - increased respect across

Question 2

What is the role of RR in MRI?

Answer 2

Increasing demand for MRI
Limited scope of practice - spine and knee - although can specialise into specific head, TMJ
- don’t specialise into cancer

Onward referral:
- from other modalities

Waiting times:
- high waiting times
- specialist procedures even higher

Conventional Vs Complex cases:
- further development - increasing complexities

Efficiency:
- RR take longer - not matching numbers - cost v. benefit

Training & ongoing research:
- still in its infancy

Teamwork:
- ongoing training and support

Question 3

MRI reporting in Scotland:

Answer 3

The Scotland situation
2016 RCR research findings
Seeming opposition amongst consultant Radiologists
Larger opposition amongst trainee Radiologists - teritorial
Many reasons submitted for this:
- time and resources to train radiographers

Question 4

What is the benefit of MRI RR?
the argument

Answer 4

Increasing number of MRI scans being completed
- as well as plans to increase MRI scanners across scotland
- need more radiographers and reporters

Decreasing number of Radiologists
- role is becoming more specialised

Skills building, recruitment and retention of Radiographers
- increasing role
- increasing jobs
- more staff shortages

Outsourcing and cost
- how many reports are they doing?
- accuracy? - overtired

Out of hours cover?
- can they report every type of exam

Consultant Radiographers
- suppport growth

Radiology Management
- support

Availability and support from HEIs

Question 5

What is the role of the RR in MRI? (big)

Answer 5

There are very few Reporting Radiographers at present, especially in Scotland. Radiologist support is inconsistent and can make the RR feel isolated as a result.

There are a considerable number of images and sequences to be commented on. This can have a significant impact on the time needed to report each examination accurately and efficiently.

RR’s need a high awareness of normal variants and common MRI artefacts (Dependent on comments made from the imaging Radiographer to confirm this.) These factors are important to minimise the possibility of false positives.

Examination numbers are low in comparison to CT yet are growing as the number of MRI scanners and the overall age of the population increases. There are also a relatively high number of routine and normal examinations.

RR’s practice a limited scope (anatomical areas) – the majority being for lower spine, knee and IAMs. Some others, including the brain, C spine, breast (always double reported) and other MSK areas such as shoulder may also be within the agreed scope of practice.