Impact of audio/visual systems on pediatric sedation in magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the use of an audio/visual (A/V) system in pediatric patients as an alternative to sedation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in terms of wait times, image quality, and patient experience. Materials and Methods:Pediatric MRI examinations from April 8 to August 11, 2008 were compared to those 1 year prior to the installation of the A/V system. Data collected included age, requisition receive date, scan date, and whether sedation was used. A posttest questionnaire was used to evaluate patient experience. Image quality was assessed by two radiologists.Results: Over the 4 months in 2008 there was an increase of 7.2% (115; P Ͻ 0.05) of pediatric patients scanned and a decrease of 15.4%, (67; P ϭ 0.32) requiring sedation. The average sedation wait time decreased by 33% (5.8 months) (P Ͻ 0.05). Overall, the most positively affected group was the 4 -10 years. The questionnaire resulted in 84% of participants expressing a positive reaction to the A/V system. Radiological evaluation revealed no changes in image quality between A/V users and sedates. Conclusion:The A/V system was a successful method to reduce patient motion and obtain a quality diagnostic MRI without the use of sedation in pediatric patients. It provided a safer option, a positive experience, and decreased wait times.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging study of Piaget’s conservation-of-number task in preschool and school-age children: A neo-Piagetian approach

“…In a first anatomical session, three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted spoiled gradient images (field of view [FOV] = 256 mm, slice thickness = 1.33 mm, 128 slices, matrix size = 192 Â 192 voxels, and duration = 5 min 7 s) were acquired while the children passively watched a cartoon on an MRIcompatible screen. The sedative effect of audio/visual systems on children in MRI scanners has been demonstrated; it reduces motion, provides a positive experience, and decreases wait times (Lemaire, Moran, & Swan, 2009). After a break outside the scanner, the fMRI session, consisting of two different runs, was conducted with T2 ⁄ -weighted, gradient echo planar images acquired with a repetition time of 2 s, an echo time of 35 ms, and a flip angle of 80°for 31 axial slices, 3.5 mm thick, with a 224-mm FOV and a 64 Â 64 grid (210 volumes in 7 min for each run).…”

Use of Video Goggles to Distract Patients During PET/CT Studies of School-Aged Children

“…In one study, the benefit of using video goggles during MRI was considered to be 84%. In other studies, the need for sedation was reduced from 53% to 40% (2)(3)(4). The average estimated cost of sedation at 5 U.S. children's hospitals in 2014 was $2,950.…”

Patient-initiated breath-holds in MRI: an alternative for reducing respiratory artifacts and improving image quality

“…Image quality may be improved by adapting the context of MR examinations and situations in different ways. It has been shown that, for example, the use of an audio/visual system as an alternative to sedation improved the image quality in pediatric MRI [14,15]. In addition, verbal interaction between the operator and the patient is important for the patient to perform an MRI examination [16].…”