Wolfson Children's Hospital in Florida has launched a program aimed at reducing the number of pediatric patients undergoing sedation for MRI diagnostic scans.
The "MR--I Am Ready!" program focuses on training and practice designed to familiarize children with the sights and sounds of the MRI scanner, preparing them to lie perfectly still for extended periods of time without sedation.
The program is a joint service of the child life and radiology departments at Wolfson Children's Hospital, supported by pediatric anesthesiologists and other pediatric subspecialty physicians with Nemours Children's Clinic, Jacksonville, and the University of Florida in Jacksonville.
"MR--I Am Ready!" is offered to children scheduled for an MRI scan at Wolfson Children's prior to the exam, usually to those around the ages of 6 to 8 who do not have special needs that may require sedation. The parents are contacted by a specialist at the hospital who provides preparation materials for use at home, then follows up with training and support one week before the exam and on the day of the procedure. The MRI-with-sedation appointment remains in place until after the child completes the program.
