Synopsis

Keywords: Transferable skills: Safety

Alarm fatigue is an ever-present problem in healthcare today, and MR technologists are not exempt from being affected by it. Ferromagnetic detection systems are one culprit responsible for alarm fatigue. Understanding how to use ferromagnetic detection systems to identify how well your screening processes are upstream, combined with well-defined MR Safety policies and procedures, and a ferrous free zone III, not only reduces alarms in MR departments, but reduces alarm fatigue which then creates the desired outcome of having a pause or stop when an alarm is present to identify the cause of the alarm.

Ferromagnetic detection systems were designed as a method to prevent the unauthorized entry of potentially hazardous items into Zone IV. Unfortunately, ferromagnetic detection systems have gotten the reputation of being a nuisance- producing what is perceived as unnecessary alarms. Understanding why ferromagnetic detectors produce alarms and how to mitigate those alarms are crucial components to effectively implementing and utilizing ferromagnetic detection systems. Once the correct understanding of why an alarm is produced has been established, ferromagnetic detection systems are great tools to aid in identifying how well your screening processes are upstream. Combining the appropriate utilization of ferromagnetic detectors with well-defined MR Safety policies and procedures, and a ferrous free zone III, not only reduces alarms in MR departments, but it also reduces alarm fatigue-making the MR environment safer for personnel and patients.

Acknowledgements

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References

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