ECSO-MRI - Results & Resources

MRI technology and clinical applications continue to evolve rapidly. The ECSO-MRI project identified significant variation in MRI safety education across Europe, differences in curriculum content, teaching methods, assessment approaches and educational opportunities for healthcare professionals working in MRI environments.

Surveys conducted among educational institutions and MRI professionals revealed:

• considerable variation in MRI safety education across Europe;
• gaps in MRI safety knowledge and confidence;
• strong demand for structured, competency-based training;
• a need for advanced educational pathways for MRI Safety Officers.

2. Competency-Based Educational Framework

The curriculum was systematically aligned with the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) MRI Safety Officer Role Descriptor and developed using a competency-based approach.

The framework supports progression from foundational MRI safety awareness towards advanced MRI Safety Officer competencies including:

• risk assessment
• clinical decision making
• safety leadership
• safety governance
• development of MRI safety procedures and policies

3. Quality Assurance and Validation

Quality assurance was embedded throughout the project lifecycle through:

• internal curriculum review;
• benchmarking against professional standards;
• expert consultation;
• external review;
• pilot evaluation with students, educators and clinical professionals.

This ensured that the curriculum remained academically robust, clinically relevant and aligned with current MRI safety practice.

4. Pilot Implementation and Evaluation

The ECSO-MRI curriculum was piloted across the participating higher education institutions using a blended learning approach.

Evaluation demonstrated:

• increased MRI safety knowledge;
• improved self-confidence;
• improved decision-making abilities;
• increased safety awareness;
• strong learner satisfaction;
• successful progression from theoretical understanding to practical application.

Participants particularly valued:

• the expertise of teaching staff;
• the flexibility of blended learning;
• international collaboration;
• discussion of real-world MRI safety challenges.

The project demonstrated that structured MRI safety education can:

• reduce knowledge gaps;
• increase professional confidence;
• improve MRI safety culture;
• support implementation of safety procedures;
• strengthen institutional MRI safety practices;
• promote harmonisation of MRI safety education across Europe.

In line with the Erasmus+ commitment to knowledge sharing and dissemination, a selection of ECSO-MRI educational materials is made available for educational and professional development purposes.

These resources are intended to support:

• radiography students;
• radiographers;
• MRI professionals;
• educators;
• healthcare organisations;
• institutions interested in implementing MRI safety education.

Available Resources

ECSO-MRI_Guide_Handbook_Final (read-only)

This handbook summarises:

• the needs analysis;
• curriculum development methodology;
• competency framework;
• quality assurance procedures;
• pilot evaluation results;
• educational impact;
• sustainability recommendations.

01_basic_syllabus_ecso-mri_pilot_ay2425.pdf

02_advanced_lectures_ecso-mri_pilot_ay2425.pdf

Important Notice

The resources provided on this website are intended as educational reference materials and support continuing learning in MRI safety.

Accessing or studying these materials:

• does not constitute enrolment in an accredited educational programme;
• does not automatically lead to academic credits (ECTS);
• does not result in a certificate, diploma or qualification;
• does not confer the title or professional role of Magnetic Resonance Safety Officer (MRSO);
• does not replace formal education, assessment or supervision provided by recognised higher education institutions.

Formal qualification requires participation in an approved educational programme and successful completion of the relevant assessments as determined by the delivering institution.

The ECSO-MRI consortium considers MRI safety education a continuously evolving field.

The partner institutions aim to maintain, review and further develop the educational materials created within the project, ensuring continued scientific accuracy, professional relevance and alignment with technological and regulatory developments. Higher education institutions remain central to the long-term quality assurance and sustainable delivery of MRI Safety Officer education.

Project title: European Curriculum for Safety Officers in MRI (ECSO-MRI)

Programme: Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education

Project reference: 2022-1-BE02-KA220-HED-000085873

Duration: 2022-2025

Coordinator: Odisee University of Applied Sciences

Partnership: Odisee, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, University College Dublin, University of Malta, Tampere University of Applied Sciences, Turku University of Applied Sciences and the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS).