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

ConclusionPatients 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.
Source: European Radiology - Category: Radiology Source Type: research