GLOWING STARS Can a digital interactive app prepare children for MRI?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
GLOWING STARS. A DIGITAL ARTS/TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH: Improving the hospital experience of children going through MRIs using Augmented Reality, Avatar, and Gamification.
IRAS ID
340460
Contact name
Persephone (Persefoni) Sextou
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Not applicable, Not applicable
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 1 days
Research summary
Can a digital interactive app prepare children aged 4-10 years for diagnostic MRI scans by (a) improving an understanding of the MRI process and (b) reducing anticipatory procedural anxiety when presenting at hospital?
BACKGROUND: NHS faces many challenges in handling children and family’s traumatic hospital experiences, to the nurses and doctors’ emotional burden and, to the cancellation of MRIs which cost the NHS a considerable loss of money. Even though MRI scan is defined as a minimal-risk procedure, children feel anxious and stressed. Unaddressed anxiety has significant implications for children’s short- and long-term recovery and mental health problems. Well-prepared and informed children have better outcomes, less procedural anxiety, and higher satisfaction. Accordingly, helping children to understand the MRI scan procedure and cope with anxiety can be extremely helpful for children, families, and NHS staff. This study aims to examine the use of digital technology for the preparation of children for diagnostic MRI scans in hospitals.
AIM: To examine if the children can use the digital platform Xploro | Radiology module, if it is acceptable to children and their parents/caregivers and if it helps the children reduce their anxiety while waiting for their MRI scan.
PARTICIPANTS: 20 children aged 4 to 10 years who are presenting for MRI scans in Paediatrics at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, and one parent/caregiver of each child. Total:40
METHOD: A before/after digital intervention study examining the acceptability and reported impact of the Xploro’s app https://xploro.health/solutions/radiology/. Children will access to Xploro in face-to-face one-to-one conditions when the child is presenting for the scheduled scan. Participants will complete paper proformas including a Visual Analogue Scale, close and open questions and space for drawing/doodling both before and after the Xploro intervention. We will also use a notebook during the intervention point. The study will take place before the MRI for approx.30 minutes.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SC/0129
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion