Improving the patient experience for paediatrics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging through Play Therapy.

Play Therapy has been shown to be a successful alternative for children allowing them to have an MRI scan awake instead of with a general anaesthetic. With funding through local hospital charities, a dedicated Play Specialist List runs once a week to scan predominantly 3-13yr olds. With fun and engaging play methods, it has been possible to acquire diagnostic images in 98% of children scanned. With no risk when compared to a general anaesthetic and a more relaxed atmosphere and process, this has vastly improved the patient experience, for not only the children, but also their parents/carers.