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Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
Enhancing pediatric MRI research protocols: Utilizing developmentally appropriate principles and incorporating
Lauren Holley1, Cala Hefferan2, Diane Bales1
1Georgia Center for Developmental Science, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Insights
Pediatric functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) research can be improved by incorporating child life principles. Certified Child Life Specialists can enhance emotional safety and study outcomes for children in research settings.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Psychology
Background:
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is crucial for lifespan brain research.
- Pediatric research settings often lack emotional safeguards present in clinical environments.
- Children in fMRI studies face demanding emotional and physical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance pediatric fMRI research protocols.
- To integrate child life principles into research for improved outcomes.
- To provide guidance on creating emotionally safe research environments for children.
Main Methods:
- Collaboration with Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS).
- Application of child life principles: assessment, preparation, education, rapport building, play, family-centered care, environmental planning, and community engagement.
- Implementation across all research phases, from recruitment to debriefing.
Main Results:
- Enhanced pediatric research protocols and study outcomes.
- Improved emotional safety for children participating in fMRI research.
- Practical strategies for age-appropriate implementation of child life principles.
Conclusions:
- Integrating child life principles significantly improves pediatric fMRI research.
- Certified Child Life Specialists are vital in creating supportive research environments.
- Emotionally safe practices benefit children and enhance research validity.
Abstract:
Children participating in MRI research often encounter emotionally and physically demanding protocols, yet research environments often do not incorporate the same emotional safeguards commonly found in clinical settings. In the past quarter-century, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) emerged as a foundational tool for examining brain structure and function across the lifespan. Working with a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) and adopting the child life principles of assessment, preparation, education, rapport building, play, family-centered care, environmental planning, and community engagement into research protocols can significantly enhance pediatric research protocols and study outcomes. Practical guidance is offered for implementing emotionally safe practices across various phases of research, from recruitment to post-visit debriefing for each developmental age group.
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