ISMRM: Communication, multidisciplinary engagement key to pediatric MRI

Communication and engagement with child-life specialists are a couple of factors in successful MR imaging for young children, according to research presented May 4 at the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) meeting in Singapore. A team led by Yin Ting Chiu, PhD, from the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital discussed key factors identified by the hospital’s MR team for effectively performing supplementary MRI scans on children ages three to seven without sedation. “With the increasing demand for MRI, the efficient use of MR suits has become a global issue,” Chiu and colleagues highlighted. “Introducing non-sedating MR scanning skills for young pediatrics could save both preparation and table time and therefore boost the scanning efficiency.” Performing MRI scans on young children can be challenging for radiologists. The researchers noted that children in the three to seven age range may lack understanding and patience in undergoing scans and as a result, can experience anxiety. Along with that, separation from parents and being exposed to loud noises from MRI scanners can increase their distress and potentially hinder successful scanning. The team also pointed out that immobilization methods such as soft pads and sandbags are often ineffective for these patients, and anesthesia can have unwanted side effects. The researchers highlighted that the MR team of the Hong Kong Children's Hospital implemented strategies like child-friendly rooms...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Pediatric Radiology 2024 Source Type: news