Patient preferences for development in MRI scanner design: a survey of claustrophobic patients in a randomized study

Abstract

Objective To investigate which magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner designs claustrophobic patients prefer. Material/methods We analyzed questionnaires completed by 160 patients at high risk for claustrophobia directly after a scan in either a short-bore or open panoramic scanner as part of a prospective randomized trial Enders et al (BMC Med Imaging 11:4, 2011). Scanner preferences were judged based on schematic drawings of four scanners. Information on the diagnostic performance of the depicted scanners was provided, too. Results A majority of patients suggested upright open (59/160, 36.9%) and open panoramic (53/160, 33.1%) before short-bore designs (26/160, 16.3%, for all p < 0.001) for future development. When asked about patients' preferred scanner choice for an upcoming examination, information about a better diagnostic performance of a short-bore scanner significantly improved its preference rates (from 6/160 to 49/160 or 3.8 to 30.5%, p < 0.001). Patients with a claustrophobic event preferred open designs significantly more often than patients without a claustrophobic event (p = 0.047). Patients scanned in a short-bore scanner in our trial preferred this design significantly more often (p = 0.003). Noise reduction (51/160, 31.9%), more space over the head (44/ 160, 27.5%), and overall more space (33/160, 20.6%) were the commonest suggested areas of improvement. Conclusion Patients at high risk for claustrophobia visually prefer open-over short-bore MRI designs for further development. Education about a better diagnostic performance of a visually less-attractive scanner can increase its acceptance. Noise and space were of most concern for claustrophobic patients. This information can guide individual referral of claustrophobic patients to scanners and future scanner development. Key Points • Patients at high risk for claustrophobia visually favor the further development of open scanners as opposed to short-and closed-bore scanner designs. • Educating claustrophobic patients about a higher diagnostic performance of a short-bore scanner can significantly increase their acceptance of this otherwise visually less-attractive design. • A medical history of earlier claustrophobic events in a given MRI scanner type and focusing on the features "more space" and "noise reduction" can help to guide referral of patients who are at high risk for claustrophobia.

Health preference research: An overview for medical radiation sciences

“…Patient preferences for development in MRI scanner design: a survey of claustrophobic patients in a randomised study. 52 individuals/groups, particularly around demographic factors. 40 By using the estimated coefficients from the regression analyses, relative attribute importance can be calculated, and marginal willingness to pay can be determined by using cost as a denominator, or other attributes such as time.…”

Toward Autism-Friendly Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Exploring Autistic Individuals' Experiences of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scans in the United Kingdom, a Cross-Sectional Survey

“…[4][5][6][7] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging examination used for a wide range of clinical conditions, that allows delineation of fine anatomical details in the human body and therefore enables optimal diagnosis and treatment. However, as we explain below, it remains a lengthy, anxietyprovoking, challenging examination with moderate acceptance from patients, 8 despite some early efforts to optimise its clinical practice for the general population [9][10][11] and for autistic people, in particular. 12,13 Autistic people may need to undergo MRI examinations, either as part of a research project studying autism, or for clinical concerns, such as persistent headaches, low back pain, injuries, accidents, or falls.…”

A systematic review of person-centred adjustments to facilitate magnetic resonance imaging for autistic patients without the use of sedation or anaesthesia

“…The MRI environment may be challenging for neurotypical and autistic patients alike, since it involves relatively long scan times (20–60 min), depending on clinical condition and imaging protocol. The MRI scanner often has a narrow bore, which can exacerbate claustrophobia and panic attacks ( Iwan et al, 2021 ). Indeed, 10% of scanned neurotypical patients may experience claustrophobia ( Napp et al, 2017 ), which could impact patient experience, increase MRI scan repeats and cancellations.…”