Effectiveness of video-based exposure in reducing anxiety and improving outcomes in MRI: a prospective experimental study

To assess the benefit of patients’ exposure to a preparatory video on anxiety, cooperation, and examination quality during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Data were collected using questionnaires addressing patient experience and examination outcomes. Anxiety was measured using a 0–10 visual analog scale (VAS) before and after video exposure only in the experimental group. We recorded cooperation, movement, and repeat acquisitions during the MRI exam. Within the experimental group, mean VAS anxiety scores decreased significantly from 6.66 ± 3.39 before video exposure to 2.93 ± 3.61 afterward, representing a mean reduction of 3.74 points (95% CI: 2.93–4.54; p < 0.001. Compared with controls, the experimental group demonstrated greater cooperation, clearer understanding of instructions, less movement, and fewer repeated acquisitions (all p < 0.001). Previous MRI experience was not significantly associated with post-video anxiety ( p = 0.350). Compared with standard verbal preparation, a pre-recorded video for MRI preparation resulted in lower reported anxiety about the MRI exam, better cooperation during MRI, less movement during MRI, and less need for additional MRI scans. Incorporating video education into MRI preparation may enhance the patient experience and streamline the imaging process. This study was retrospectively registered with the ISRCTN Registry (Trial ID ISRCTN15794750) on July 27/ 2026.