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


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Lemaire
Colette
C
Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. lemairec@hhsc.ca
Moran
Gerald R
GR
Swan
Hans
H
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016477:Artifacts; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D054810:Deep Sedation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D015588:Observer Variation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods; D010775:Photic Stimulation / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014741:Video Recording / Q000379:methods*