'Kitten Scanner' easing children's anxiety over CT imaging

Presbyterian Healthcare Services in New Mexico unveils the "Kitten Scanner," a miniature CT machine designed to ease children's anxiety about undergoing medical imaging. The scanner features characters like Ollie the crocodile, Chris the elephant and Doris the chicken, which children can place on the unit’s bed to learn more about CT imaging.

This isn’t a mere toy, it’s an interactive simulation that looks like a tiny Philips machine. As kids place the stuffed animals on the bed, an educational video tells the story of each character’s journey to the CT scanner, all in an effort to help young patients understand and feel more comfortable with the process.

Feedback has been positive, with parents and children alike reporting that the Kitten Scanner works. After all, if a chicken named Doris can make it through a CT imaging procedure, surely anyone can.

Children age 4 to 12 primarily use the Kitten Scanner, but it's available to all pediatric patients. Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation donated the educational tool to the hospital, and there are plans to expand its use in the future.

KOB4 has more on the story, including a video. Click the link below.