Healthcare Inspection Alleged Patient Neglect During a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Exam Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center Houston, TX

The purpose of the review was to determine the validity of an allegation that a patient was neglected during a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exam. We did not substantiate the allegation that the patient was left unattended in the MRI suite during an exam; however, we concluded that the panic button was not working at the time of the incident, and even though the intercom was functional, the MRI technologist did not hear the patient call out for help. At the time of the incident, there were no routine checks for functionality of the patient intercom system or panic button. Since that time the medical center has implemented a comprehensive system for assuring that patient safety and communication is maintained before and during an MRI test. Therefore, we made no recommendations.