Examination Competency Framework

MR Proficient Engineer Competency framework PDF

Origins

The Philips MR Service Engineer competency framework was created based on industry research, interviews with business managers and Service Engineers, and focus group discussion. The resulting content specification was further reviewed and corroborated by a survey of Service Engineers to confirm the validity of the test content specification. 

About the competency framework

The competency framework is a cross-functional strategy by which Service Engineers are developed, supported, and certified. The framework includes analysis of the job requirements, skills, and knowledge and is used to design training, develop support tools and processes, and assess and certify professionals. 

Examination content refers to the subject matter that is identified for testing. The examination content is described in the form of competencies, including the details of what is expected as capable performance in the MR Service Engineer job role.  

Certification of mastery determines the standard for which the necessary knowledge and skills are performed at a capable, proficient level. The education programs will prescribe the necessary learning activities a person needs to perform at a capable proficient level.

To service Philips’ MR medical equipment the proficient MR Service Engineer will be able to*:

  • Tests, evaluates, and classifies in-use medical equipment and determines serviceability, condition, and disposition, in accordance with FDA and Philips’ regulations
  • Inspects and tests malfunctioning medical or related equipment, following Philips' specifications by using test and analysis instruments
  • Performs planned maintenance and corrective maintenance services

 

By identifying the specific behaviors and skills needed for each role, the framework enables budgeting and planning for the education and development of organizational know how. In summary, creating a competency framework is an effective definition for assessing, maintaining, and monitoring the knowledge, skills, and attributes of people in the organization.

*See https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/49-9062.00

Certified Philips Professional: MR Service Engineer

The goal of the program is to create a:

  • Industry recognized program that supports the business and the customer with competent service engineers
  • Commercially available, industry-leading certification program for Philips, Authorized Service Providers and Customers

 

The Certified Professional Service Engineers program will assure that an engineer can

  • efficiently perform their work and deliver a standard of service true to Philips Brand whether they are a partner, customer, or Philips employee
  • have ready access to accurate information at the time of need enabling expedient, high quality service issue resolution
  • combine experience, formal training, mentoring, assessments and testing to optimize the path to competency and ensure 100% regulatory compliance

 

Prerequisite Background Competencies

The following competency prerequisites for a MR Service engineer are determined to be the minimum necessary education background, and professional experience to start the process of instruction in servicing Philips’ MR systems. These areas represent foundational competencies necessary for entry level into the job role at Philips. Most of these skills assure an educational and experiential base for becoming a Proficient MR Service engineer.

  • 00.001 Two or more years of basic electronics engineering education by an accredited institution or equivalent military training. This may include biomedical degree programs and application technologist education in imaging systems
  • 00.002 Recognize intermediate Algebra operations as an indication of problem solving skills
    • Analysis of rational, radical, quadratic and exponential equations, functions and applications; graphs of radical, quadratic and exponential functions; operations on polynomial, rational, and radical expressions.
  • 00.003 Apply engineering analysis tools and techniques
    • Engineering use of computer tools, as applied to engineering analysis.
    • Recognize fundamentals of the design process: communication and problem-solving skills in a team environment.
    • Alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) circuits containing resistance and reactance.
    • Detailed coverage of AC/DC circuit parameters, including theorems, impedance matching, and resonance.
  • 00.004 Identify basic applied electronics engineering strategies and the underlying skills needed
  • 00.005 Recognize solid-state devices, circuits and digital logic
    • Apply theory of operation of semiconductor diodes and transistors. Bipolar junction transistor biasing and load-line analysis
    • Alternating Current (AC) equivalent circuits applied to small signal amplifiers
    • Recognize characteristics of large signal and power amplifiers
      • Solid State RF Amplifier basics
      • Gradient Amplifier – PWM theory
    • Apply theory of differential and operational amplifiers
    • Recognize how power supplies and regulators; special devices and circuits operate
  • 00.006 Recognize microprocessor concepts
    • Recognize basic computer microprocessor theory
    • Recognize PLC theory
  • 00.007 Apply general physics and basic chemistry principles
    • Recognize motion, energy and properties of matter
    • Recognize cytogenetics temperatures and thermal heat transfer
    • Identify how water chillers and cooling compressor systems operate
  • 00.008 Applied experience with basic electronics-machine repair in the Military (preferred) or with medical equipment in a related area
  • 00.009 Applied experience with Windows OS computers and networking
  • 00.010 Capable of using the MS Application suite
  • 00.011 Identify how hardware works, how to replace and install software updates
  • 00.012 Use of mechanical tools, plumbing, hydraulics, or pneumatics
  • 00.013 Recognize how customer focused relationship behaviors and have experience in a work environment for customer satisfaction
  • 00.014 Apply critical thinking and problem-solving decision making on-the-job experience

 

01. Philips MR System Architecture

The components of an MR system and their relationships, and functions are critical to creating a high quality MR image. These components form an architecture to optimize image creation. Competency in the following areas are required.

  • 01.01 Apply MR principal concepts to how Philips MR systems utilize each of the following areas:
    • Magnetic resonance
    • Amplifiers
    • RF transmit and receive
    • Data Acquisition
    • Noise sources
    • Image Quality
  • 01.002 Identify differences among models and versions of Philips MR systems and how the differences affect servicing systems
    • Ingenia
    • Achieva 1.5T SE, 1.5T XR, 3.0T TX
    • Multiva
    • Intera 1.5T
    • Panorama
    • Infinion, and others, etc.
  • 01.03 Identify and explain each component and their relationships, connections and function within an MR system architecture and how the component contributes to the creation of MR images

Components

  • Cooling
  • Water chillers
  • Data Acquisition
  • Networking
  • Gradient Amplifier
  • Computer (Application of User control to manage systems)
  • Patient Support
  • Magnet
  • RF Cage
  • System Power Supply
  • Gradient Coil
  • RF Transmit Coil
  • RF Receive Coil
  • Magnet Refrigeration Systems

 

  • 01.04 Recognize how operational processes and sequences work to execute an image scan

 

02. Planned Maintenance

Site Visit Planning

Although in some markets, Philips service engineers don’t install MR systems (IATD1 Procedures), but they do certify that systems are operating according to specifications and regulations of Philips and the FDA (IATD2 Procedures). The understanding of installing a system transfers directly to planned maintenance of a system. Service engineers need to be able to:

  • 02.001 Prepare for a system visit by planning for remote access, reviewing system history and trends(log files), access and follow latest service documentation (information access)
    • Determine site requirements
    • Determine site contact people and roles
    • Analyze PM tasks in advance to make sure that procedures, shared tools, supplies / parts, & manpower, are available for the service activity
  • 02.002 Recognize how certifying a system for customer use relates to a planned system maintenance
    • Utilize system tests in the proper order and assess outcomes
    • Certify a system for customer use by checking through all planned maintenance procedures
  • 02.003 Determine if there are faults outside of a PM which may require corrective maintenance or parts replacement
    • Escalate issues as necessary to the next support tier
    • Registered and Calibrated Tools
      • Service engineers utilize authorized tools that are calibrated properly and registered for use.
  • 02.004 Identify the tools needed to do the work required by function and purpose for assessing system status
    • AMP clamp tool
    • Current clamp
    • Digital multimeter
    • Earth bonding tester
    • ESD protection service kit
    • Helium transfer line check (Helium trans-fills are typically subcontracted)
    • Magnet Power Supply tool (MPS)
    • Non-magnetic tool set
    • Phase rotation meter
    • Ramp down accelerator (RDA)
    • Standard tool kit
    • Set measuring accessories with torque wrench
    • Transportation tool for the IMT patient support
    • Differential pressure manometer (inclined tube)
    • Gloves and face shield for cryogenic work
    • Heat gun
    • Clean grease pollution Loctite 243 - Molub Alloy grease
    • Check operation of patient comfort lights & cooling fans
    • Spirit level 500 mm
    • Stepladder Local
    • Thermometer/humidistat
    • Barco LCD calibration tool
    • Glycol Content Indicator
    • Gradient coil replacement tool
    • Necessary fittings and regulator for connections to helium tank and helium compressor
    • RF Room Integrity Tool
  • 02.005 Recognize how to activate the PM application to manage the steps and tasks in a planned maintenance in conjunction with the FSF/PSC to run various system tests.
    • Check door switch
    • Site and system visual inspection
    • Assess dust prevention
    • Inspect RF-enclosure
    • Check of all RF-coils for some PMs
    • Check RF Amp
    • Check gradient coil connections
    • Check physiological signals
    • Cabinet Status
  • 02.006 Perform review of cabinet status & operation
    • Data acquisition and control cabinet
    • Recognize cable connections between cabinets
    • Check examination room cabinets and cables
    • Refrigeration System Status
  • 02.007 Assess the compressor pressure and all connections
    • Check to refill lines and find leaks
    • Recognize how to connect helium tank with a regulator and using related fittings for recharge task
    • 02.008 Identify how to measure compressor cooling flow & temperature
  • 02.009 Identify how to measure static & dynamic pressures

 

Liquid and air cooling (LCC) (SPD)

  • 02.010 Recognize how the fill and flush of the LCC operate
  • 02.011 Assess hose condition for the gradient amplifier
  • 02.012 Assess patient ventilation condition
  • 02.013 Recognize how to access the LCC overview diagnostic to see critical performance parameters

 

Checking mains and earth connections

  • 02.014 Evaluate voltage, connections, leakage and earth bond measurements
  • 02.015 Identify where system ground points are and verify tightness

 

System site environment

  • 02.016 Identify integrity of RF Cage using spurious noise or another RF room integrity test
    • Check door seal, non-compliant penetrations and feeds
  • 02.017 Check temperature and humidity in exam room, and technical room
  • 02.018 Assess the status of dust prevention and potential causes of dust
  • 02.019 Evaluate site conditions (Environment) with appropriate specialized equipment
  • 02.020 Check for helium leaks if log file indicates
  • 02.021 Check helium Quench pipe outlet for safety

 

System level procedures (calibrations)

  • 02.022 Identify all the MR system components that require calibration
    • Identify automated calibration limits (Pass / Fail result)
    • RF Transmit & receive
    • Gradient,
    • Patient support
  • 02.023 Identify how automated & manual approaches to calibration are implemented (May be a more advanced competency requiring additional support)

 

Test functions and conditions

  • 02.024 Test whether all scan stopping functions work (large number of stop buttons)
    • Test safety stops during initial system installation and on PM’s.

 

Performance Tests

  • 02.025 Conduct ghosting tests
  • 02.026 Test and resolve spike noise
  • 02.027 Conduct spurious noise test
  • 02.028 Evaluate pre-performance test results during PM and take appropriate action

 

Philips software, network configurations and testing

  • 02.029 Install and configure software on the MR host computer (Application SW, Service Packs, & Security Fixes)
  • 02.030 Check network functionality on MR host computer
  • 02.031 Check DICOM network nodes (Hospital PACS, workstations, etc.)
  • 02.032 Check RIS
  • 02.031 Check options on or off(Query / Retrieve, MPPS)
  • 02.032 Utilize service applications to perform planned maintenance checks - Performance Assurance (PA) tool
  • 02.033 Recognize how to utilize remote service access tools to obtain system information
    • Remote connect to an MR using PRS to run diagnostics (subset of full list) and harvest data
    • Use the Radar website to monitor MR subsystem performance
    • Utilized the E-Alert and Magnet Health Dashboards to monitor system status in real-time
    • Respond appropriately to M2M & PSA e-mail alerts

 

Application Data Acquisition & Processing

  • 02.034 Identify the basic workflow of an application technologist in processing images
  • 02.035 Recognize how technologists use MR systems to obtain a variety of different contrast weighted images (T1, T2, and Proton Density) needed to image different medical conditions.
  • 02.036 Recognize when the current MR system configuration information will impair system operation and image quality or not
  • 02.037 Recognize the factors that contribute to good image quality (example: SNR, Resolution)
  • 02.038 Identify how to validate system performance using SPT (PIQT, IQT (Head, Body, Surface Coil))
  • 02.039 Recognize what artifacts detract from good image quality and their causes
    • Dots
    • Contrast
    • Distortions
    • Ghosting
    • Lines
    • Noise
    • Patterns
    • Voids
    • Susceptibility
  • 02.040 List the artifacts can be operator induced.
    • Contrast
    • Resolution
    • Noise
    • Voids
    • Aliasing
    • Sense

 

  • 02.041 Identify multiplane anatomy
    • Head
    • Neck
    • Spine
    • Thorax
    • Cardiac
    • Abdomen
    • Pelvis
    • Musculoskeleta

 

Data storage and Business Continuity

  • 02.042 Identify storage of SPT baseline test results (full list in SMI)
  • Back up anonymized DICOM images to a file for remote NSS or Applications review
  • 02.043 Conduct critical system backups and restorations for returning a system back to operation 

 

03-Corrective Maintenance

A proficient Service Engineer will invariably in the course of conducting MR system planned maintenance uncover a fault in the system and will need to isolate the problem and perform with support a corrective maintenance operation.

  • 03.001 Apply important aspects of MR system fault finding to identified problems
    • Define the problem and reproduce it
    • Reference SPD, SMI, SIM, FAQ, log files and MR System Inspector (Information Access and critical thinking) to understand problem
    • Collect, read and interpret log files, using required tools to assist in problem isolation
    • Perform diagnostic tests as needed to isolate problem
  • 03.002 Determine what is in and out of scope at your level of competence
  • 03.003 Identify when to escalate a problem to the next level of support
  • 03.004 Identify service requirements and escalation processes to communicate to support
  • 03.005 Remotely collect and review system data and log files to isolate or resolve a problem  

 

04-Basic Magnet Setup and Configuration

MR system level concepts

  • 04.001 List the events of the magnet ramping process
  • 04.002 Describe what is involved in shimming and how magnetic fields are affected
  • 04.003 Identify the important behaviors in magnet safety
  • 04.004 Describe the important concepts in refrigeration and apply them to MR systems
  • 04.005 Identify the types of magnets used in Philips MR systems 

 

05-Safety

Due to the high magnetic field strength, ferrous objects introduced into the proximity of the magnet become projectiles. For this reason, ferromagnetic objects are not permitted in the Controlled Access Area. All field engineers should be medically screened. Certain types of implants and other metal objects in the body can raise safety concerns and should be evaluated. Philips Healthcare employees must use the equipment and tools specified or recommended by Philips Healthcare for use within the Controlled Access Area (e.g., non-magnetic tool kit).

  • 05.001 Identify the Five Gauss Zone and magnetic strength to assure safety.
  • 05.002 Identify how radiofrequency energy produces changes during scanning activities.
  • 05.003 Identify how projectile injury may occur in an examination room.
  • 05.004 List safety precautions that protect individuals entering the examination room. Reduce the magnetic field in response to a non-life-threatening event.
  • 05.005 Identify the types of medical devices and foreign objects that can be surgically implanted and how they may act within a strong magnetic field
  • 05.006 Describe the workflow to quench a MR system. List events that would not require a system quench.
  • 05.007 Apply helium safety protection precautions.
    • Dewar safety
    • Working with Cryogens
    • Asphyxiation/suffocation
    • Cold burns/frostbite
    • Direct contact
    • Indirect contact 

 

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