Barrett CME, Stapleton D, Ringer LCM, Harvey NE, Eustace C, Devereaux A, McPhee C, Mather K, Wadden KP, Cahill LS. Perceptions of Magnetic Resonance Imaging During Pregnancy: A Newfoundland and Labrador Perspective.
J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2024;
46:102269. [PMID:
37944816 DOI:
10.1016/j.jogc.2023.102269]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to identify enablers and barriers to participation in MRI for clinical indications and scientific research, and to determine the perceptions of MRI performed during pregnancy.
METHODS
We conducted a survey of 156 pregnant people in Newfoundland and Labrador including sociodemographic information, obstetrical history, MRI history, and willingness to participate in an MRI. Categorical variables were analyzed using a Fisher exact test and open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic analysis.
RESULTS
In total, 80% of participants reported willingness to receive an MRI while pregnant for clinical indications compared to 24% for research. Only 10% reported prior knowledge about MRI during pregnancy and most participants (94%) wanted additional information from their physician before feeling comfortable with the procedure. Participants who knew someone with complications during pregnancy were more likely to be willing to participate in an MRI for research (uncorrected P < 0.05). Participants' positive perceptions towards MRI during pregnancy for clinical indications were that it was a necessary and useful procedure, while the negative perceptions identified MRI as unsafe. For research MRI, participants' positive perceptions included that it would add to the advancement of knowledge and the negative perceptions were that it was an unnecessary and risky procedure.
CONCLUSIONS
Strategies are needed to improve patient knowledge about the benefits and safety of MRI during pregnancy. The present study suggests recruitment for research should incorporate education on safety concerns and relative risk, personal stories about the benefits of MRI in diagnosing pregnancy complications and should highlight the contribution to advancing scientific knowledge.
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