How should patient screening differ between patients and support persons?

Screening for patients and support persons should remain consistent in terms of the necessary safety procedures, but the depth and specificity of the information gathered may differ based on the individual's role. Since patients undergo diagnostic or therapeutic procedures involving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), their screening must be thorough, taking into account any medical devices, implants, or conditions that could pose a risk during the MRI scan. The screening for support persons, while still important, may not require the same level of clinical detail, as their role is primarily one of accompaniment and assistance rather than direct involvement in the imaging process.

In this context, it is essential to gather enough information to ensure the safety of everyone present in the MRI environment. However, support persons typically do not need to provide as comprehensive medical histories as patients. Therefore, their screening can cover essential safety factors, such as the presence of any magnetic materials that could be hazardous in the MRI room, which makes the screening process for them identical in structure but less intensive in terms of the clinical details required. Balancing safety with efficiency is key in these circumstances, ensuring that both patients and their support persons are appropriately screened while considering the different levels of risk associated with each role.