Making imaging fun for kids

For those who think about radiology on a daily basis, the sight of large, whirring scanners and the images they produce is pretty routine. For the general public, however, medical imaging can be still be nerve-wracking no matter what age, but especially for the tiniest patients.

With a growing focus on the patient experience, the imaging industry has been keen to cater to the imaginations of pediatric patients. Many vendors offer colorful equipment decorated more like a playroom than cold medical machinery.

And more than simply putting a smile on a child’s face (which is enough of a reward in its own right), it can have a real impact on care. Calmer kids means fewer reexaminations due to movement and/or reduced use of sedation.

Kid-friendly environments were represented well in our recent 2015 Patient-Centric Imaging Awards, with a pair of sites showing off their efforts to cater to pediatric patients.

Younger patients should also be educated on what’s happening to them or their families as they navigate the healthcare process, even if they can’t quite understand all the details. It helps to speak their language, which is why Medikidz, an international medical education brand, uses comics to reach patients. Recently, Medikidz comics received the endorsement of the Society of Interventional Radiology, the Association for Radiologic & Imaging Nursing, and the British Society of Interventional Radiology.

What resources have you found helpful when communicating with younger patients? Connect with us on Twitter and let us know!

-Evan Godt
Editorial Director – Digital
Editor – Health Imaging