Developing a playkit to help children learn about MRI scans
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Developing a Mixed-Realities Play Kit to prepare children aged 4-10 for an MRI
IRAS ID
270367
Contact name
Jill Thompson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 31 days
Research summary
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) procedures are known to evoke anxiety in children. Many children receive an anaesthetic to ensure that they keep still for the MRI. Between one half and two thirds of children aged 10 and under may have a general anaesthetic. This project therefore aims to produce a Mixed Realities playkit to support children aged between 4 and 10 years to tolerate an MRI. Findings from an initial phase of school-based workshops informed the development of a prototype playkit, incorporating elements of physical play, augmented- and virtual-reality. Further research is now necessary to refine the design and assess the accessibility and acceptability of the playkit amongst children referred for MRI.
Phase 2, will recruit thirty children aged 4-12, and their parent/guardian. Home-based observation and interviews will assess acceptability and accessibility of the playkit and inform any further modifications. In Phase 3, six children aged 4-10 will be recruited to user-test the modified prototype. Interviews will be carried out with children and parents in the hospital imaging department, immediately after the MRI. These will assess children’s and parents’ experiences of using the playkit. A maximum of twelve radiographers will also be interviewed. Findings will inform any final modifications to the playkit and accompanying instructions for its assembly and use.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/NE/0272
Date of REC Opinion
27 Aug 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion