Global Health and Population, Harvard (original) (raw)
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Key Factors Influencing the Usage of MRI in Saudi Arabia
Procedia Computer Science, 2015
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Croatian Medical Journal, 2020
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Overuse or underuse of MRI scanners in private radiology centers in Tehran
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 2008
Objectives:The semiprivate health system in Iran has created an opportunity for unnecessary uses of advanced medical equipments including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study aimed to evaluate the evidence for MRI overuse in private diagnostic imaging centers in Tehran, Iran. The objectives of this study were to determine the frequency of use of MRI scans for different complaints and to explore frequency of normal MRI findings as a function of unnecessary MRI use.Methods:We conducted a survey among private MRI centers in Tehran, Iran, to study the proportion of MRI scans that may result in significant clinical finding. All MRI reports at a specific point in time at selected MRI centers were reviewed by a physician and the findings were recorded as normal, abnormal, or substantial changes.Results:Of all the MRI reports, 17.2 percent had resulted in normal findings; 9.8 percent ordered for examination of headache, and 4.8 percent for lower back pain.Conclusion:Unnecessary MRIs...
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Rational Operation of MRI Equipment in University Hospitals in the Czech Republic
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An audit of MRI machines and services in Ghana
Radiography, 2020
Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a useful medical imaging modality for the diagnosis and management of patients. However, the huge costs associated with establishing and operating MRI means it may not be readily accessible and affordable for hospitals in developing countries. Little is currently known about the availability of MRI machines in Ghana. Such information may assist in informing future health service development within the country. This study reports on the findings and implications of an audit of MRI machines in Ghana. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted involving all MRI machines in Ghana. Data obtained was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare the mean cost of MRI examinations between privately-owned and state-owned MRI machines in Ghana. Results: 18 MRI machines, spread across five regions, are available in Ghana. 15 (83.3%) of the MRI machines are located in the Greater-Accra and Ashanti regions. MRI examinations are more expensive in privately-owned machines compared to state-owned machines (p < 0.05). Four state-owned machines have been non-operational for between three-six years resulting in a revenue loss of GHC 36 million (US$7.2 million). Conclusion: There are few MRI machines in Ghana and the majority are concentrated in the two largest regions. The increase in MRI machines over the past decade can be attributed to private investment in the sector. Implications for practice: This study will inform the Ghana Health Service and other healthcare policy makers in Ghana to increase investment in MRI machines to ensure equitable regional distribution of MRI machines so that patients across Ghana would have access to the diagnostic benefits associated with MRI machines.
Sosyoekonomi, 2019
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Equity in Access to MRI Equipment A TA Approach Based on the Portuguese Case
Making decisions on resource allocation in health care can be a very complex and contested matter. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), as a health-care technology integrated device, should be seriously considered as an example of those tensions. Its impacts can be accessed through the use of evidence-based decision-making methods, such as Technology Assessment (TA). There are gaps in providing health care due to geographical imbalances, with some areas unable to provide certain specialized health-care services. This reality can be considered a limitation in the access of the general population to this kind of a clinical examination. TA can play a useful and important role by helping decision-makers explore potential gains that might be achieved with the introduction of a more rational decision-making into health management, namely in MRI allocation.
Diffusion of magnetic resonance imaging in Iran
International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care, 2007
The aim of this article is to describe the diffusion of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in Iran, including regional variations during the period of 1990 to 2005 and international comparisons. Methods: Data on the diffusion of MRI were obtained from the Medical Equipment Office of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and, using self-administered questionnaires, from forty-one universities specializing in medical sciences. Data were gathered from the year of first purchase up to mid-2005. Information for international comparisons was obtained from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development health data of 2006. Results: Iran purchased its first MRI unit in 1990. Since then, the number of MRI units has increased remarkably. The diffusion curve of MRI in Iran follows an S-shaped curve with a very slow speed in the period of 1991-95. Accelerated adoption occurred later coinciding with a significant influence from the private sector, especially from 1999. Iran had ninety-three MRI units in 2005, and the number of MRI units per million in the population was 1.36. Conclusions: The number of MRI units in provinces is not in direct proportion to the number of their inhabitants. Rational adoption and equitable diffusion of MRI may require the MOH and regulatory bodies to improve their ability in health technology assessment and integrate it into the policy making regarding adoption, diffusion, and utilization of health technologies.