Radiographers' awareness level of MRI-induced vertigo and their perspectives on the post-examination care provided to patients in Saudi Arabia

Vertigo has been reported by operators and patients during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations and found to increase in severity as the strength of the scanner magnet increases. This study examined a cohort of MRI radiographers' awareness of MRI-induced vertigo and their perspectives on post-MRI care. This cross-sectional study used a web-based survey distributed to 110 radiographers. The 18-item survey included questions to elicit demographic information, MRI radiographers' awareness of MRI-induced vertigo, and their perspectives on the post-MRI care that should be provided to patients. Responses were collected between June 2021 and January 2022. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, version 27. A total of 110 MRI radiographers completed the survey. Participants were predominantly male (64.5 %) and working in public practice (91.8 %). Almost all the radiographers were aware of MRI-induced vertigo. About two-thirds of participants knew patients needed assistance off the couch. Nearly all participants knew patients should be asked about their experience with MRI-induced vertigo after their procedures. There were statistically significant associations between the size of magnetic field strength used by the participants and their appreciation of the needed support for patients post-MRI examinations (p= 0.012). This study provides the first insight into Saudi Arabian MRI radiographers' awareness and perceptions of MRI-induced vertigo. Radiographers were largely aware of MRI-induced vertigo and the supportive care they were supposed to provide their patients. The current study points to a need for training to expand awareness levels of MRI-induced vertigo among a few Saudi MRI radiographers. Des vertiges ont été signalés par les opérateurs et les patients lors d'examens d'imagerie par résonance magnétique (IRM) et il a été constaté que leur gravité augmente avec la puissance de l'aimant du scanner. Cette étude a examiné la connaissance qu'ont une cohorte de radiographes de l'IRM des vertiges induits par l'IRM et leurs perspectives sur les soins post-IRM. Cette étude transversale a fait appel à une enquête en ligne distribuée à 110 radiographes. L'enquête en 18 points comprenait des questions visant à obtenir des informations démographiques, la sensibilisation des radiographes aux vertiges induits par l'IRM et leurs perspectives sur les soins post-IRM qui devraient être fournis aux patients. Les réponses ont été recueillies entre juin 2021 et ja