New 'kitten scanner' helps ease patients at Oxford Children's Hospital
The mini MRI prepares children for scans and reduces the need for anaesthetic
A new 'kitten scanner' is helping patients at Oxford Children's Hospital feel more prepared for MRI scans and reduce the need for a general anaesthetic.
The miniature interactive MRI model has been introduced to the hospital thanks to funding from Oxford Hospitals Charity.
It is designed to explain the scanning process to young patients in a simple and engaging way.
Sonia Dugmore, Senior Health Play Specialist, said: “The kitten scanner helps us to reduce fear for a child having an MRI, as well as gain understanding and build confidence about the procedure."
Children can choose from three of toy figures - an elephant, a crocodile and a duck - and place them into the model scanner, which then plays a video explaining what happens during an MRI.
Staff also use the device to discuss the process and answer questions.
“It's a really is a great conversation starter. It enables us to talk to the child and help them understand the MRI and why they need it," Sonia said. "It introduces them to the sounds of the scanner, talks about different coping strategies and how to keep still."
Hospital staff say the scanner is particularly useful for children who need regular imaging, including those undergoing treatment for cancer.
It is being used to help some patients move away from needing anaesthetic for their scans.
“This means that they then spend less time in hospital, they don't have to fast for an anaesthetic and reduces risks," Sonia said.
"Many of these children who have multiple procedures can be fearful of needles and don't like the process of going to sleep so it eliminates all of that for them as well," she added.
Sonia also explained that completing a scan without the use of a general anaesthetic can bring children a sense of achievement.
"They feel so proud of what they've done and it's a really positive experience for the whole family," she said. "It's a big turning point in their in their care when they can just come in, have breakfast in the hospital, have their scan and go straight home after."
The scanner is now being used with around 25 patients each month, both ahead of appointments and on the day of scans.
Sonia said helping children understand what will happen during hospital procedures is a key part of the their work as a health play specialist team.
“If it’s been explained to them at a child’s level, they're much more likely to succeed,” she said.