Beyond the scanner: how children are prepared and supported for MRI in routine practice

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) causes anxiety in many people, including children who can become distressed causing reduced image quality and premature termination of the examination. Evidence suggests that children undergoing MRI have better experiences and results when they are prepared and supported before and during their scan. The best preparatory interventions remain unclear, and there is no gold standard for preparing children for MRI. The aim of this study was to provide a snapshot of how children are currently prepared for MRI in the UK and which interventions are perceived by staff to be most beneficial.

Method: An online questionnaire consisting of both open and closed questions to elicit information on interventions used to prepare children and their perceived success, was disseminated to radiographers working in MRI across the UK.

Results: There were 154 respondents. Pre-appointment preparation included educational materials (64%), visits (56%) and play therapist support (62%). On the day support included child-friendly waiting areas (50%), scan rooms (43%). Distraction (96%) during the scan included parental presence, music/videos and comfort objects. Sedation was commonly used for younger children, as well as neurodivergent or anxious children. 30 respondents reported no available resources prior to, or on the day of the examination. Key challenges to examining children were identified as movement, anxiety, time pressures and limited training.

Conclusions: Practice varies in the preparation of children for MRI. Further research is needed to identify which interventions improve children’s experiences and image quality, are cost-effective and scalable across services.