Study of lone working magnetic resonance technologists in Western Australia.
OBJECTIVE
It is recommended that magnetic resonance (MR) technologists should not work alone due to potential occupational health risks although lone working is legally acceptable. The objective of this study was to investigate the current situation of lone working MR technologists in Western Australia (WA) and any issue against the regulations.


METHODS
A questionnaire regarding the issues of occupational health of lone working MR technologists was developed based on relevant literature and distributed to WA MR technologists. Descriptive (percentage of frequency, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Fisher's exact, Chi(2) and t tests, and analysis of variance) were used to analyze the responses of the yes/no, multiple choice and 5 pt scale questions from the returned questionnaires.


RESULTS
The questionnaire response rate was 65.6% (59/90). It was found that about half of the MR technologists (45.8%, 27/59) experienced lone working. The private magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) centers were more likely to arrange technologists to work alone (p < 0.05). The respondents expressed positive views on issues of adequacy of training and arrangement, confidence and comfort towards lone working except immediate assistance for emergency (mean: 3). Factors of existence of MRI safety officer (p < 0.05) and nature of lone working (p < 0.001-0.05) affected MR technologists' concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Lone working of MR technologists is common in WA especially in private centers. The training and arrangement provided seem to be adequate for meeting the legal requirements. However, several areas should be improved by the workplaces including enhancement on immediate emergency assistance and concern relief.
Discipline of Medical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Applied Physics, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
Tracy Anne
TA
Dewland
Lauren Nicole
LN
Hancock
Simone
S
Sargeant
Rebecca Kim Min-Ae
RK
Bailey
Rodger Allan
RA
Sarginson
Curtise Kin Cheung
CK
Ng
D004505:Education, Nonprofessional; D005260:Female; D006779:Hospitals, Public; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010067:Ownership; D017149:Private Sector; D012449:Safety / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014904:Western Australia; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration