2911. Reducing the Use of Sedation in MRI Imaging With “A Trip to the Beach”
Authors* Denotes Presenting Author
Monica Miranda Schaeubinger;
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Caryn Karff;
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Valerie Rigby;
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Kristi Newby;
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Mohammad Jalloul *;
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Ethan Larsen;
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Objective:
Sedation and anesthesia are used in a substantial proportion of pediatric MR imaging studies due to the need for patients to remain completely still. Though sedation and anesthesia use are common, they are not without some inherent risks. In the interest of reducing the amount of unnecessary sedation, some patients are afforded the ability to try to complete their scan without sedation. Unfortunately, the process of avoiding sedation can be time consuming. An interdisciplinary team convened to create a structured program, motivated by the approval of funding to procure a new scanner to support a formal “try-it” program. A formal program was created to facilitate patients attempting to undergo their MRI studies without the aid of sedation, with the intention of decreasing the number of patients who require sedation as part of their MRI experience, and ultimately increasing the appropriate utilization of sedation resources in MRI.
Materials and Methods:
Due to the location of the designated scanner, only patients who did not receive contrast, did not require nursing support, and were at least 5 years old were eligible. A mock scanner experience lead by Child Life specialists was facilitated for each patient before their MR scan. The mock scanner allowed for the experience of an MRI without blocking time available on the actual scanner. The mock scanner created conditions of a real scan giving the patient a chance to learn what their scan day will feel like, with the intention of completing a scan without sedation.
Results:
Since February 1, 2022, 50 successfully facilitated MR scans have been performed as part of the program. Patients have had a median age of 7 (range 5 - 12), 26 of them have been female (52%). Mean scan time has been of 38 minutes (range 8 – 70). The majority were brain scans 35 (70%), followed by knee 6 (12%), and spine 5 (10%). The program team met twice a month to discuss progress and address issues. As the program evolves, we intend to continue to create enhancements expanding and improving the program outcomes.
Conclusion:
Results from this ongoing project are promising in completing scans without sedation in patients who would otherwise have been sedated. Future enhancements to our “try-it” program can include a nonsedated workflow with home activities for the family to arrive ready for their experience.
