Getting a child to sit still for even a few minutes is tough enough, let alone for the 30 to 90 minutes required for an MRI scan. Add to that the loud noise and how big a machine an MRI is, and it can be a pretty daunting task for a young child to face an MRI in hospital. Patients must remain completely still to capture accurate images, and for children under six or with disabilities, general anaesthetic (GA) might be needed to ensure successful scans.
Thanks to the generosity of the Trillian Trust, MRI scans at Middlemore have become much easier for children, and their families. The Trust has funded MRI-compatible equipment that allows kids to watch their favourite movies during the exam. Given the magnetic nature of MRI machines, this required special technology. The video feature not only distracts the child and blocks out the loud machine noise but also significantly improves the overall experience, reducing the need for GA. By keeping kids calm and entertained, this technology leads to faster scans, quicker diagnoses, and less strain on hospital resources. Avoiding GA also greatly benefits the child’s health and makes the hospital visit far less stressful for both the child and their family.
Play Specialist Zoe stresses the importance of making MRI scans a positive experience for paediatric patients, especially since many need to return for future procedures. "If a child has a negative experience, it can make their next hospital visit—or even their next scan—much more frightening," she explains. Before each MRI, Zoe and other play specialists work closely with every child to make sure they feel comfortable and know what to expect. They explain the process in a way that’s easy for kids to understand, helping to alleviate any fears or anxieties. Specialists take time to walk children through how the MRI works, what sounds it will make, and what they need to do. Once the kids hear that they can watch a movie during the scan, the experience becomes far less scary—and much more fun
Six-year-old Uriel was one of the first patients to benefit from this new equipment. He came in for an MRI so that doctors could take ‘special pictures’ of his brain. Uriel, who previously had a squint corrected, needed the MRI to ensure his optic nerve was healthy. For Uriel, this was his first MRI, and the idea of lying perfectly still for 40 minutes was quite daunting. Thankfully, the movie feature kept him entertained throughout the exam, making the process easier for him. When we asked Uriel how he felt, he said it was fun watching a movie while the doctors took pictures of his brain. He's even excited to tell his classmates all about the "special pictures" when he returns to school!
A heartfelt thanks to Trillian Trust for funding this awesome technology, and creating a more comfortable experience for young patients like Uriel.
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