Guiding children during their MRI exam: the design and usability study of an in-bore experience (Preprint)

Abstract

For pediatric patients, undergoing an MRI exam can be a stressful experience. To support children to undergo their exam awake, we recently developed solutions to prepare children for their MRI, at home with an app, and in the waiting room with an educational mock scanner. Although preparation is an effective means to be able to scan young children awake, it is also important to guide them during the exam in a way that they understand and like.

To create a patient guidance solution during the MRI exam, tailored to the needs of young children. By using elements (characters, visuals, voice, and language use) that were designed for our solutions to prepare children before their MRI exam, we aim to deliver a familiar experience to pediatric patients. To evaluate whether children like and understand the developed ‘pediatric In-bore experience’ solution consisting of pediatric themes, pediatric AutoVoice, and pediatric In-bore Connect featuring three guidance overlays (breath-hold guidance; exam progress bar, animated Ollie), we conducted a usability study.

Ten children (aged 5 to 10) participated in a mock MRI exam that included pediatric In-bore experience. Task compliance (ability to lie still and hold one’s breath) was observed, and in a guided interview the experience and understanding of the different elements of pediatric In-bore experience were evaluated.

Overall, participants were positive about pediatric In-bore experience. Ollie and the pediatric theme were liked. Pediatric AutoVoice, and the guidance overlays were generally liked and understood, but we learned that the auditory guidance during the breath-hold scan was difficult to interpret. All but one participant were able to complete the tasks successfully.

Pediatric In-bore experience is a promising approach to engage and guide young children during MRI exams. With it we have completed the Pediatric Coaching solution, a holistic solution covering the full patient journey for a child requiring an MRI. As a next step the impact of the complete Pediatric Coaching solution on patient experience and the clinical workflow could be investigated.