The Development of a Virtual Reality Simulation to Reduce Anxiety in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool in pediatric care, offering high-resolution images without ionizing radiation; however, the unfamiliar environment, confined space, and loud noises may cause distress, claustrophobia, and anxiety. This may lead to an increased need for sedation, and longer imaging times. At Victoria Children's Hospital in London, Ontario, the Child Life program currently uses a doll and MRI model to help reduce anxiety in pediatric patients through a learning-based approach. While these methods are effective, they are limited in their ability to provide a realistic representation of the MRI experience. To address this, we developed a gamified MRI experience designed specifically for pediatric patients at Victoria Children's Hospital using virtual reality (VR), a computer-generated 3D environment experienced through a headset. The simulation replicates the sights, sounds, and spatial aspects of the MRI environment, helping children to familiarize themselves with the experience beforehand. While our VR room is a replica of the real MRI room in Victoria Children's Hospital, it could be adapted for use in other facilities by modifying the environmental details. Future work will evaluate the simulation's effectiveness in reducing anxiety through quantitative and qualitative assessments.