MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING IN UGANDA; THE ROLE OF AN MRI PHYSICIST.

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is crucial in contemporary healthcare, underscoring its non-invasive nature and broad applications. One of the essential professionals involved in MRI is an MRI Physicist. MRI Physicists are responsible for ensuring optimal system performance, safety, and quality, encompassing site planning, quality assurance, and patient safety. Noninvolvement of these professionals results in difficulty in addressing system malfunctions, image quality, daily safe operations, and choosing safe technical parameters.

This calls for comprehensive/collaborative interventions, including regulatory expansions, policy updates, and increased awareness of these professionals. Collaboration among government agencies, healthcare facilities, and private entities is crucial to overcoming the barriers and ensuring the provision of essential tools and equipment for MRI Physicists.

Addressing these issues is a pathway to improving accessibility, quality, and safety in MRI services, ultimately contributing to enhanced healthcare outcomes for the Ugandan population. Therefore, this paper aims to emphasize the pivotal role of an MRI Physicist and to raise awareness regarding the need to involve and employ Medical Physicists in the field of MRI in Uganda.

Key points

• MRI Physicists are key in ensuring optimal MRI system performance, safety, and quality of patient care.
• Despite the growing need for MRI physicists, there is less involvement of MRI physicists in Uganda.
• There are no policies that encourage the involvement of MRI Physicists in MRI clinical practice.
• The high cost of quality control (QC) equipment is a barrier to employing MRI physicists.
• There is a need for refresher training and fellowships to enhance MRI physicists' proficiency.