Undergoing MRI scans may be difficult experiences for patients, as the sensation can be claustrophobic when individuals are placed inside the machine. This is especially true with small children, who may struggle to endure the daunting test.
Researchers at New York-Presbyterian Hospital recently set out to alleviate anxiety and eliminate the need to sedate antsy pediatric patients, AuntMinnie.com reported.
Making kids into superheroes to reduce fear
The team of doctors was led by Robert Min, M.D., chairman of radiology at Weill Cornell Medical College and president of Weill Cornell Imaging at New York-Presbyterian. Min and his colleagues created the program in collaboration with Siemens Healthcare. After rounds of planning and outlining, the researchers decided that educating young patients about MRIs would help eliminate apprehension.
"We wanted to provide a much more child-friendly educational program that was real for kids and that they can relate to," said Min, quoted by AuntMinnie.com. "I think everyone can benefit by education, but I think there was something missing for the pediatric population."
One of the best ways to capture children's attention is to make learning fun, entertaining and engaging. At the 2013 meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, Min approached Siemens with the idea to show superheroes confronting and completing their own MRI scans. This led to the development of the MRI Heroes Kit. It is a collaborative effort between the medical imaging provider, Weill Cornell, New York-Presbyterian and Marvel Custom Solutions, a division of Marvel Comics.
The set includes 100 copies of educational comic books, superhero-themed capes, and Captain America and Iron Man plush toys. In addition, there is an informational DVD and toy model of an MRI scanner.
The researchers created a 6.5-minute video that details what children and parents should expect during an MRI exam. It features a 10-year-old girl explaining her personal experience with the procedure. Child care specialists helped craft the appropriate language for the video, developing the correct techniques to convey relevant information to the involved parties.
This program is beneficial for pediatric diagnostic imaging, putting children at ease during MRI scans. Recently, a team of Australian researchers sought to assess anxiety in adult patients, too.
Helping patients overcome MRI stress
Doctors from the University of Adelaide's Joanna Briggs Institute wanted to better understand the difficulties that patients face when undergoing MRI scans. Their goal was to ease fears and eventually develop greater patient satisfaction.
"MRI is a commonplace diagnostic procedure and has been for many years now," said Zachary Munn, M.D., acting director of synthesis science at Joanna Briggs Institute. "The vast majority of patients have no problems, but other patients frequently experience anxiety, fear and claustrophobia during an MRI scan."
The team's study, published in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, revealed that simply providing more information about the MRI experience can go a long way in relieving anxiety. Having radiologists, technicians and nurses be more engaging and personable about the exam helps eliminate stress.
Health care providers should consider reworking existing patient education strategies to include digital imaging exams, as it may assist in reducing pre-test anxiety.
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Ronny Bachrach
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