Play simulation for children in magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can be a challenging examination, particularly for children. The aim of this Clinical Perspective is to outline early experiences, based upon a service evaluation (defined as an assessment of how well the intended aims are achieved), of the Playful Magnetic Resonance Imaging Simulator (PMRIS) (Domed, Lyon, France) in reducing the number of children requiring general anaesthetic (GA) in order to undergo Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Baseline data from an audit of children undergoing MRI under GA in 2017 had previously been captured as part of the funding bid for the PMRIS. Estimation of costs associated with anaesthesia were made, then combined with the overall numbers of MRI under GA to estimate projected anaesthetic related cost-savings based on the reported effectiveness of the PMRIS. Once the PMRIS was in place, data were collected for children attending a Play Specialist supervised session. The number and age of children proceeding directly to MRI without requiring a GA was determined. The associated cost benefit was calculated and compared with the projections made in the initial funding bid.

Over a 7 month period 36 children, average age 6 years, age range 4 to 11 years, who had initially been triaged for MRI under GA, attended a Play Specialist led session on the PMRIS. Of these, 30, average age 6 years, age range 4 to 11 years proceeded directly to MRI without a GA. Based on the costings used for the initial funding bid, this equates to a gross cost-saving of £9,000 over 7 months.

This service evaluation shows a positive impact of Play Specialist sessions using the PMRIS with 30 out of 36 children having a successful awake MRI as a result. There are limitations to this evaluation, particularly that whilst all these children had been triaged for MRI under GA it cannot be known how many might have had an awake MRI with different preparation. Nevertheless, according to the local referral pathways these children would otherwise have had MRI under GA.

This service evaluation has shown that the number of GAs required for children having MRI has reduced for this particular service through the use of the PMRIS, with Play Specialist support, with associated reduction in risk and cost savings.