MRI Policies That Work: Supporting Safety, Consistency, and Decision-Making
MRI policies and procedures play a critical role in supporting safe, consistent, and defensible patient care practices. However, many MRI departments struggle with documentation that is outdated, overly vague, copied from external sources, or disconnected from actual clinical workflows. This presentation explores what effective MRI policy documentation should include, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical strategies for developing policies that align with real-world operations and safety expectations.
- Why well-developed MRI policies and procedures matter
- Key components every MRI policy document should include
- Common weaknesses and problematic language to avoid
- How policies support consistency and defensible decision-making
- Practical strategies for improving policy development and maintenance
Kellye is the Director of Clinical Success and MRI Safety at NordInsight. She also serves as an MRI safety consultant, educator, and expert witness, advising healthcare organizations and legal teams on MRI safety, risk management, and industry best practices. Her career spans clinical practice, MRI safety leadership, and industry innovation, including roles as Lead MR Safety Officer at a Level I Trauma Center and Manager of MRI Safety Training and Education for a ferromagnetic detection technology company. She is board credentialed as both an MR Safety Officer (MRSO) and MR Safety Expert (MRSE), and serves as a Governing Board Member of the ISMRT, a Board Member of the IBMRS, Vice Chair of the ISMRT MR Safety Committee, and Vice Chair of the IBMRS Electronic Examination Delivery Committee.
Tobias is a founding board member and former Chair of the IBMRS (formerly ABMRS), and holds both MRSO and MRSE credentials. He has served twice on the ACR's MRI Safety Committee, contributing to several of its publications, and is a co-author of The Technologist's MRI Safety Handbook. He leads his own consulting practice, Gilk Radiology Consultants, and regularly speaks and writes on MRI safety policy and practice.