SCMR launches cardiac MRI educational video to assist referring physicians
The Society of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) recently launched a new website aimed at patients and referring physicians that includes pamphlets and videos on cardiac MRI. HeartMRI.org provides a general information video for patients about what to expect before and at their cardiac MRI. The site also includes a series of videos with patients about their experiences with CMR.
The goal of the new website is to offer referring physicians resources they can direct patients to so they can learn more about their upcoming cardiac MR exam, what to expect and how the imaging will help them with specific clinical questions their doctors are trying to answer. These include specific information on heart failure, cardio-oncology, cardiac masses, valvular stenosis, valvular regurgitation, pericardial disease, aortic disease, coronary artery disease, ventricular arrhythmias, elevated troponin with no obstructive CAD, aneurysm and pseudoaneurysm, and congenital heart disease.
HeartMRI.org is an SCMR website developed by the Public Relations Committee to provide patients and referring providers information about CMR. In addition to the videos, there are pamphlets created for common CMR indications aimed to provide more information for patients, as well as referring providers. New CMR patients can hear about other patients' experience with CMR in video testimonials.
The new website includes sections in drop down menus for referring physicians ordering a cardiac MRI scan, indications for cardiac MRI, examples of what the imaging looks like.
There is also a link back to the SCMR main website with an interactive map that users can search to find cardiac MR imaging centers near them. However the map lists less than 30 cardiac MRI centers in the U.S., but SCMR members can log in to add additional sites.
There is also a good 5-minute animation video on the process of getting a CMR for patients.
Dave Fornell has covered healthcare for more than 17 years, with a focus in cardiology and radiology. Fornell is a 5-time winner of a Jesse H. Neal Award, the most prestigious editorial honors in the field of specialized journalism. The wins included best technical content, best use of social media and best COVID-19 coverage. Fornell was also a three-time Neal finalist for best range of work by a single author. He produces more than 100 editorial videos each year, most of them interviews with key opinion leaders in medicine. He also writes technical articles, covers key trends, conducts video hospital site visits, and is very involved with social media. E-mail: dfornell@innovatehealthcare.com