Magnetic resonance imaging
Ambient Experience Pediatric Coaching
Providing children a positive healthcare experience in pediatric radiology
Enhancing the imaging experience for pediatric patients can help reduce the need for sedation [1]. As a result, the Ambient Experience Pediatric Coaching solution has been designed with the patient journey in mind. It puts children at ease by using preparation and active relaxation techniques that can support positive patient outcomes. Reduced anxiety and stress can lead to better compliance, smoother workflows and faster patient throughput. Most importantly, it empowers children with a positive pediatric radiology experience.
Ambient Experience
Pediatric Coaching prepares young patients for an effective MRI exam
A holistic solution to help alleviate issues associated with fear and anxiety and prepares and guides children for their MRI exam at home, in the hospital and during the scan.
96-100%
answered correctly
The app's learning goals (e.g., lying still, MRI sounds) were met by correctly answered quiz questions and were able to explain them [2].
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Pediatric coaching: putting young patients at ease
The Philips Pediatric Coaching solution for MRI consists of the Scan Buddy mobile app (at home), the Kitten Scanner (at the hospital) and MR In-bore Connect (during the scan) to ease young children's stress during MRI exams. Through play-based activities and augmented reality, the solution engages and guides the child, improving their overall experience. Pediatric Coaching is part of the Philips Ambient Experience portfolio.
The FIT (Familiarize, Inform, Train) Framework – appealing to a child’s sense of wonder
With FIT there are three types of learning styles that are thoughtfully addressed: Visual learner who learns through seeing; Auditory learner who learns through hearing; and Kinesthetic learner who learns through doing. The FIT framework is a carefully considered approach to address the relevant learning goals of a child.
The Scan Buddy – a gamified mobile app
The Scan Buddy app (for use at home) is a gamified app for Apple3 and Android4 devices containing an educational video and games to help children familiarize themselves with the MRI scanner. Lovable scan buddy characters like Ollie playfully guide the child through the MRI scan journey. The app offers a positive distraction for the child to help them feel more in control. The app is available in 25 languages.
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Pediatric patient preparation and guidance promotes a smoother, safer, and more positive MRI experience.
Better preparation for children's MRI scans brings significant economic benefits. Educated and calm children reduce the need for sedation, cutting costs related to medication and recovery time. Faster, more efficient scans can mean fewer retakes, saving technician time and machine usage. Improved preparation can also lessen the need for additional staff. Overall, these factors lead to cost savings for medical facilities and more streamlined, effective use of resources.
Without Ambient Experience, kids are very anxious. When the child is not cooperating, each exam takes much longer. Ambient Experience has improved our patient experience by creating a special, calming X-ray environment for the children.
Mrs. Latasha Traylor
X-ray Lead Technologist
Children’s of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
Reimagining the X-ray exam experience for children and staff
Philips Ambient Experience uses lighting, video and sound to enhance patient comfort and staff efficiency.
Footnotes
- Runge SB, et al. Children centered care: Minimizing the need for anesthesia with a multifaceted concept for MRI in children aged 4–6. European Journal of Radiology. 2018;107: 183–187.
- Saini et al. Scan Buddy: A Gamified App to Prepare Children for an MRI Scan https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05311-5_4.
- Apple is a trademark of Apple Inc.
- Android is a trademark of Google LLC..
- In-bore Connect Pediatric License requires Philips Ambient Experience with In-bore Connect (sold separately).
Disclaimer
Results are specific to the institution where they were obtained and may not reflect the results achievable at other institutions. Results in other cases may vary.