Key Factors Influencing the Usage of MRI in Saudi Arabia

This article explores the current status of MRI utilisation trends in King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU), as one of the major government hospitals of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia. The study covers a period of five years (2007-2011). The factors and indications of utilisation levels were identified, grouped and categorised according to their nature and according to their impact on MRI utilisation. Among other results it was revealed that the portion of “Non-Eligible” patients underwent MRI scan is not negligible (≈9%).The results showed serious obstacles in data collection so not all factors were found and incorporated in the analysis. Other utilisation factors of diagnostic imaging procedures- need to be considered carefully in respect to the appropriateness and effectiveness of policies and planning procedures. The outcome of this study is a start and can be benchmarked to other similar research studies in the field covering other hospitals and medical establishments in the region.