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The Influence of Patient-Centered Communication on Children's Anxiety and Use of Anesthesia for MR
M Conceição Castro1, Isabel Ramos2, Irene Palmares Carvalho3,4
1Department of Radiology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João-Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal.
Insights
Patient-centered communication (PCC) combined with simulation significantly reduced anesthesia use for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. This approach also decreased children's anxiety and improved satisfaction compared to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Child Psychology
- Healthcare Communication
Background:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures can induce anxiety in children, often necessitating anesthesia.
- Effective communication strategies are crucial for improving pediatric patient experience during medical imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of patient-centered communication (PCC) combined with simulation on anesthesia use in children undergoing MRI.
- To assess the effects of PCC and simulation on children's anxiety and satisfaction during MRI exams.
Main Methods:
- A study involving three groups of children (4-10 years old) undergoing MRI.
- One group received PCC and simulation (MR toy), another received routine information and simulation, and a control group received routine information only.
- Anxiety was measured via self-report and heart rate; satisfaction was assessed through questionnaires. Data were analyzed using group comparisons and regression.
Main Results:
- Anesthesia use was significantly lower in the PCC + simulation group (7%) compared to the simulation group (47%) and control group (70%) (p < 0.001).
- The PCC + simulation group showed greater reductions in anxiety (self-reported and heart rate) and higher satisfaction scores than the simulation group (p < 0.001).
- Reduced anxiety was significantly associated with decreased anesthesia use (OR 1.39, p = 0.013).
Conclusions:
- Patient-centered communication combined with simulation is highly effective in reducing anesthesia requirements for pediatric MRI.
- This combined approach significantly lowers children's anxiety and enhances their satisfaction during MRI examinations.
- PCC and simulation represent a valuable strategy for improving pediatric imaging experiences and resource utilization.
Abstract:
Background: The aim of this study was to inspect the influence of patient-centered communication (PCC) with 4- to 10-year-old children on the use of anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging exams (MRs). Methods: A total of thirty children received the PCC and pre-simulated the exam with an MR toy. Another 30 children received routine information about the MR and pre-simulated the exam with the toy. Anesthesia use in these two groups was additionally compared with a previously existing group of children (n = 30) who had received only routine information about the exam (CG). Children’s anxiety was assessed with a self-report question plus heartbeat frequency. Children’s satisfaction was assessed through several questions. The analyses were based on group comparisons and regression. Results: A total of two children (7%) in the PCC + simulation group used sedation compared with 14 (47%) in the simulation group and 21 (70%) in the CG. Differences between the PCC + simulation and the other two groups were significant (p < 0.001), although not between the simulation and the CG. The decrease in anxiety was significantly greater (self-reported p < 0.001; heart rate p < 0.05) and satisfaction was higher (p = 0.001) in the PCC + simulation, when compared with the simulation group. Reduced anxiety was associated with less anesthesia use (OR 1.39; CI 1.07−1.79; p = 0.013). Conclusions: PCC + simulation was more effective than simulation and routine practice in decreasing children’s anxiety, increasing satisfaction, and reducing the use of anesthesia for MRs.
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