Abstract

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool, but patients may experience post-examination vertigo-a phenomenon largely studied among radiographers but not radiology nurses. Nurses play a critical role in patient safety and post-examination care, making their awareness and perspectives crucial for optimizing patient outcomes. This study aimed to assess radiology nurses' awareness of MRI-induced vertigo and their perspectives on post-examination care in Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted across 27 hospitals in southern Saudi Arabia from October to December 2024. Data were collected from 142 radiology nurses using a validated questionnaire adapted from previous studies. Awareness was assessed using nine items, while perspectives on post-examination care were evaluated using six items. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics and response patterns, while multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with higher awareness and more favorable care perspectives.

RESULTS

A 58.4% of nurses reported receiving MRI safety training, highlighting a substantial training gap. Furthermore, 15.5% of nurses reported frequently observing MRI-induced vertigo among patients. Moderate awareness of MRI-induced vertigo was observed, with an overall agreement rate of 48.4%. Awareness was higher for general concepts (e.g., MRI can induce vertigo- 65.5%) but lower for technical factors (e.g., head movement impact - 35.9%). Awareness was significantly predicted by MRI safety training (p = 0.001), type of MRI scanners in department (p = 0.025), and frequency of vertigo encounters (p = 0.003). Nurses' perspectives on post-examination care were highly favorable, with an agreement rate of 74.2%, and strong support for patient-centered practices such as symptom inquiry (86.6%) and patient assistance (75.4%). More favorable perspectives were predicted by higher education (p = 0.001), greater experience (p = 0.005), and more frequent vertigo encounters (p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses demonstrated moderate awareness but a strong commitment to post-examination care. Targeted MRI safety training is needed to enhance preparedness. Interdisciplinary collaboration between nurses and radiographers should be strengthened to ensure comprehensive patient safety in MRI environments.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

MeSH

Nurses, Cross-Sectional Studies, Patient Safety, Safety, Radiology, Vertigo