Reducing MRI Scan Anxiety

The prospect of an MRI scan is, for many patients, something that induces a lot of fear and anxiety.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide's Joanna Briggs Institute have been working to better understand the difficulties faced by patients when undergoing an MRI scan, and how to help ease their fears and lead to greater patient satisfaction.

The Joanna Briggs Institute's Acting Director Dr Zachary Munn said that while MRI is a common procedure that has been used for years, many patients still exhibit anxiety, fear, and claustrophobia during the scan.

"Although hospital staff often view this procedure as routine, for many patients this is a difficult procedure to go through, especially if claustrophobia sets in," Dr Munn said.

"There are some key issues here: the patient experience is, of course, of great importance to us; and the quality of the scans is important too – if distressed patients are moving when the scan is underway, that work will need to be redone, potentially leading to further anxiety for the patient, and costs to the health system.

"MRI anxiety occurs in both adults and children, with some patients requiring sedation to help get them through the experience. Our aim is to find opportunities to assist patients without using sedatives," Dr Munn said.

In a recent study published by the researchers in the Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, it was found that patients' anxiety can be eased simply by providing more information about the MRI experience.

"Providing patients with quality information is a good first step towards reducing patients' fears. If medical staff are personable and talk the patient through their experience, it also helps greatly. Each patient should be treated with individual care," Dr Munn said.

"The physical environment where the MRI is being conducted can also play a substantial role. There are some very simple things that can be done: such as playing relaxing music, and for children there are new MRI designs that look like spaceships or a jungle – it gives the impression that the child is going on an adventure.

"Our research so far has shown that MRI clinics that have been able to modify some or all of these aspects of the experience have shown improvements in patient anxiety levels," he said