A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can be an intimidating experience for children and their parents, especially when they don’t know what to expect. A distressed child can also prove challenging for health care teams. The Philips Scan Buddy app, launched in 2022 as part of the Pediatric Coaching initiative within the Philips Ambient Experience portfolio, aims to reduce anxiety by preparing young children ahead of their MRI scan. This helps to diminish the stress of an unfamiliar environment and reduces the need for sedation. Providing an interactive gamified experience, the app includes learning objectives supporting the child to be scanned awake by introducing kids to procedures and sounds in an easy-to-comprehend way. They are guided through the full process, what the machine looks like, and how it’s used. This innovative technology strives to empower children and help overcome the existing anxieties common among pediatric MRI patients.
