Nottingham Trent University have developed a new animated video which could prevent unwell children from having to undergo general anaesthetic before MRI scans.
Magnetic resonance imaging scans can obtain potentially life-saving data, but children are required to remain still for prolonged periods of time and many become distressed.
The short video, which uses a space rocket analogy to provide children with a coping mechanism, has been proven to reduce a child’s anxiety at the thought of having the scan.
It is the result of a collaborative project between Andrew Love, course leader for Animation at NTU, and Dr Rob Dineen, clinical associate professor of neuroimaging at University of Nottingham with NTU student Rachel Man developing the video.
The animation would be shown to children in advance on the internet, allowing for them to get used to the idea of the scan.
Video: The new animation aimed at children going for MRI scans produced by Nottingham Trent University.
“Sometimes the only option is for a child to undergo a general anaesthetic, which carries risks. So we’ve developed a short film which will help dispel children’s anxieties and improve their ability to stay still, reducing the need for sedation.” said Mr Love, an expert in narrative animation.”
As well as picturing they are in a rocket, the loud noises produced by the scanner are imagined to be other space craft flying past and the close-fitting head coil is described as an astronaut’s helmet.
Dr Dineen said: “It’s vital that we’re able to obtain good quality images from MRI scans to help us treat poorly children properly.”
“But if a child is too distressed to stay still, the quality of those images can be severely affected. In some cases children can become so distressed that they can’t complete a scan.”
“By allowing children to watch a short video, we can reduce their levels of anxiety and improve their chances of completing a scan without sedation or a general anaesthetic.”
It was shown in a study of 23 healthy five to 11 year-olds that there was “significant improvements” in their levels of anxiety. It also found that the video retained the children’s attention, improved their knowledge and was enjoyable.
