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Practical Considerations for Radiologists in Implementing a Patient-friendly MRI Experience
Murat Alp Oztek1,2, Christina L Brunnquell1, Michael N Hoff1
1Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.
Abstract:
For many patients, numerous unpleasant features of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experience such as scan duration, auditory noise, spatial confinement, and motion restrictions can lead to premature termination or low diagnostic quality of imaging studies. This article discusses practical, patient-oriented considerations that are helpful for radiologists contemplating ways to improve the MRI experience for patients. Patient friendly scanner properties are discussed, with an emphasis on literature findings of effectiveness in mitigating patient claustrophobia, other anxiety, or motion and on reducing scan incompletion rates or need for sedation. As shorter scanning protocols designed to answer specific diagnostic questions may be more practical and tolerable to the patient than a full-length standard-of-care examination, a few select protocol adjustments potentially useful for specific clinical settings are discussed. In addition, adjunctive devices such as audiovisual or other sensory aides that can be useful distractive approaches to reduce patient discomfort are considered. These modifications to the MRI scanning process not only allow for a more pleasant experience for patients, but they may also increase patient compliance and decrease patient movement to allow more efficient acquisition of diagnostic-quality images.
Insights
Improving the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experience for patients can reduce anxiety and motion. Patient-friendly scanners and adjusted protocols enhance diagnostic image quality and compliance.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Medical Imaging
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) poses challenges for patients, including long scan times, noise, confinement, and motion restrictions.
- These factors can lead to incomplete scans, reduced diagnostic image quality, and increased need for sedation.
- Addressing patient discomfort is crucial for successful MRI examinations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore practical, patient-centered strategies for enhancing the MRI experience.
- To review literature on patient-friendly scanner properties and their effectiveness.
- To discuss protocol adjustments and adjunctive devices to improve patient tolerance and compliance.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on patient-friendly MRI scanner properties and their impact on claustrophobia, anxiety, and motion.
- Discussion of shorter, clinically focused scanning protocols as alternatives to standard examinations.
- Consideration of audiovisual and sensory aids as distractive methods to reduce patient discomfort.
Main Results:
- Patient-friendly scanner features can mitigate claustrophobia, anxiety, and motion, reducing scan incompletion and sedation rates.
- Shorter, tailored scanning protocols may be more tolerable and practical for patients.
- Adjunctive sensory aids can serve as effective distractors, improving patient comfort.
Conclusions:
- Modifications to the MRI process can significantly improve patient experience and compliance.
- Enhanced patient comfort leads to decreased movement, enabling more efficient acquisition of diagnostic-quality images.
- Optimizing the MRI environment benefits both patients and the diagnostic yield of imaging studies.
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