Assessment item 1 - MRI Protocol and Safety Critique Assessment

TASK

Part 1: Critique of MR Imaging Protocol (2500 words)

You are to critique a (one), MRI imaging imaging protocol for an anatomical region and clinical indication of your choice.

Your chosen protocol can be one of the imaging protocols used in your clinical practice or researched from the literature including textbooks. You need to justify why you choose the specific protocol, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the protocol and compare with other alternative techniques for your chosen anatomical region and clinical task.

You should write your protocol critique as a report using the following:

Hardware equipment required including any special device.

The details of imaging protocol including:

• Pulse sequences including basic and special pulse sequences and their rationales for the clinical indication.

• Pulse sequence diagrams.

• Reasons for imaging parameters such as orientations, slice thickness, coverage etc.

Part 2: Safety of MRI: Discuss the implications of introducing 3T scanners in the medical imaging department (500 words).

A 3T MRI image quality will be improved with reduced scan times. However, what safety implications arise in light of this enhanced magneto strength?

• Discuss with the aid of a literature review.

• Describe or link to specific procedures that would be undertaken using a 3T MRI (discuss Charles Sturt University - TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 (Australian University). CRICOS Provider: 00005F Page 13 of 32).

• Would level of enhancement of protocols is required in order for them to be accurate? Discuss.

• If your department currently has a 3T MRI, how has their departmental health and safety changed to suit the new system? What are the limitations?

Suggestion - undertake the review very early in the session so to give yourself time to obtain and analyse the articles.

SUBJECT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Principles and Applications

• explain the principles and application of other non-ionising imaging techniques.
• describe, explain and implement professional practice with specific reference to explaining the principles and clinical applications of MRI and ultrasound (MRPBA Domain 1.9 and 1.10).

Safety and Physics

• recognise, describe and apply knowledge of radiation physics and instrumentation to operate MRI and ultrasound systems safely and effectively (MRPBA Domain 1.9 and 1.10).

Parameters and Protocols

• understand, explain and apply principles for appropriate MRI and ultrasound parameters and protocols based on patient presentation (MRPBA Domain 1.9 and 1.10).
• describe, explain, evaluate and develop MRI and ultrasound protocols in a collaborative manner (MRPBA Domain 1.9, 1.10 and 3.2).

Data and Analysis

• explain the dataset analysis and use of datasets including demonstrating management of data (MRPBA Domain 1.9, 1.10 and 1.2).

Professional Learning

• explain and evaluate professional learning and identify professional learning needs / life-long learning (MRPBA Domain 4.2).
• explain and apply the principles of evidence based practice and professional learning with specific reference to critical thinking, analytical appraisal and reflective skills related to clinical imaging, problem solving and decision making (MRPBA Domain 4.1).

Summary of Assessment Requirements

The assessment is divided into two major parts:

Part 1: Critique of MR Imaging Protocol (2500 words)

• Select one MRI imaging protocol for a specific anatomical region and clinical indication.

• Justify why the protocol was chosen.

• Evaluate advantages and disadvantages.

• Compare with alternative techniques.

• Structure the critique as a report including:

  • Hardware and special devices required.

  • Imaging protocol details: pulse sequences, rationales, pulse sequence diagrams.

  • Imaging parameters: orientations, slice thickness, coverage, etc.

Part 2: Safety of MRI (500 words)

• Discuss implications of introducing 3T scanners in a medical imaging department.

• Identify safety risks associated with higher magnet strength.

• Review relevant literature.

• Discuss protocols requiring enhancement for accuracy.

• Explain departmental health and safety adaptations with limitations.

Subject Learning Outcomes:

• Apply principles of non-ionising imaging.

• Operate MRI and ultrasound safely (radiation physics + instrumentation).

• Understand MRI parameters/protocols and develop them collaboratively.

• Conduct data analysis and dataset management.

• Demonstrate professional learning, evidence-based practice, and critical thinking.

Academic Mentor’s 

Step 1: Understanding Requirements
The mentor began by helping the student carefully break down the task into manageable components. Part 1 was identified as a detailed technical critique, while Part 2 focused on safety and professional implications. Learning outcomes were mapped against both parts to ensure alignment.

Step 2: Selecting the MRI Protocol
The mentor guided the student to choose an anatomical region commonly imaged (e.g., brain, knee, spine) and link it with a clinical indication (e.g., tumor detection, ligament tear, multiple sclerosis). Research sources included clinical practice experience, peer-reviewed articles, and textbooks.

Step 3: Structuring Part 1 (Protocol Critique)

• Hardware: Identify scanner type (1.5T or 3T), coils, and any special devices.

• Pulse Sequences: List basic and advanced sequences, explain their purpose for diagnosis.

• Diagrams: Include pulse sequence illustrations to demonstrate technical understanding.

• Imaging Parameters: Orientation, slice thickness, TR/TE values, FOV, and rationale.

• Comparisons: Evaluate benefits and drawbacks of chosen protocol against alternatives.

• Conclusion: Summarize diagnostic value and suggest improvements.

Step 4: Structuring Part 2 (3T Safety Discussion)

• Review literature on RF heating, SAR limits, projectile risks, and implant safety.

• Explain how higher field strength improves image quality but raises safety concerns.

• Provide examples of protocols adapted for 3T scanners.

• Discuss departmental safety adjustments (screening, zoning, staff training).

• Address limitations (e.g., artifact susceptibility, patient comfort).

Step 5: Drafting and Referencing
The mentor guided the student in sourcing academic papers, official MRI safety guidelines, and relevant standards. Emphasis was placed on Harvard-style referencing, in-text citations, and compiling a strong bibliography.

Step 6: Linking to Learning Outcomes
Throughout the process, the mentor ensured the student:

• Applied physics principles (pulse sequences, parameters).

• Demonstrated safe practice awareness (3T implications).

• Showed ability to develop and evaluate MRI protocols.

• Practiced critical thinking and evidence-based writing.

Final Outcome

By following the mentor’s guidance, the student was able to:

• Produce a well-structured 2500-word critique of an MRI protocol, supported with diagrams, parameter justifications, and literature comparisons.

• Deliver a 500-word safety discussion highlighting both opportunities and risks of 3T MRI.

• Meet all subject learning outcomes, including technical application, safe practice, data analysis, and professional development.

• Gain valuable skills in critical appraisal, research integration, and reflective practice — all essential for medical imaging professionals.

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