Impact of audio/visual systems on pediatric sedation in magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the use of an audio/visual (A/V) system in pediatric patients as an alternative to sedation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in terms of wait times, image quality, and patient experience. Materials and Methods Pediatric MRI examinations from April 8 to August 11, 2008 were compared to those 1 year prior to the installation of the A/V system. Data collected included age, requisition receive date, scan date, and whether sedation was used. A posttest questionnaire was used to evaluate patient experience. Image quality was assessed by two radiologists. Results Over the 4 months in 2008 there was an increase of 7.2% (115; P < 0.05) of pediatric patients scanned and a decrease of 15.4%, (67; P = 0.32) requiring sedation. The average sedation wait time decreased by 33% (5.8 months) ( P < 0.05). Overall, the most positively affected group was the 4–10 years. The questionnaire resulted in 84% of participants expressing a positive reaction to the A/V system. Radiological evaluation revealed no changes in image quality between A/V users and sedates. Conclusion The A/V system was a successful method to reduce patient motion and obtain a quality diagnostic MRI without the use of sedation in pediatric patients. It provided a safer option, a positive experience, and decreased wait times. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.