Play simulation for children in magnetic resonance imaging.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Radiology
• Medical Simulation
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) presents challenges for pediatric patients, often necessitating general anaesthesia (GA).
• The Playful Magnetic Resonance Imaging Simulator (PMRIS) was introduced to mitigate these challenges.
• Previous data on MRI under GA in children was collected for funding the PMRIS initiative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the PMRIS in reducing the requirement for GA in children undergoing MRI.
• To assess the cost-benefit associated with the implementation of the PMRIS.

Main Methods:

• A service evaluation was conducted using the PMRIS with pediatric patients triaged for MRI under GA.
• Data on the number of children proceeding to awake MRI after PMRIS sessions were collected.
• Cost savings were calculated based on projected anaesthesia-related expenses.

Main Results:

• Over a 7-month period, 36 children (average age 6) attended PMRIS sessions.
• 30 out of 36 children successfully underwent MRI without GA.
• This resulted in an estimated gross cost saving of £9,000.

Conclusions:

• Play Specialist-supported PMRIS sessions positively impacted the number of children requiring GA for MRI.
• The PMRIS demonstrated a reduction in GA use, associated risks, and healthcare costs for pediatric MRI.
• While limitations exist, the findings support the PMRIS as a valuable tool for pediatric MRI preparation.