The Effects of Virtual Reality and Child Life Preparation on Anxiety in Pediatric Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Randomized Crossover Study

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a valuable diagnostic tool because it provides detailed images of the body’s internal structures without exposing patients to ionizing radiation; however, the confined space, loud noises, and unfamiliar environment can cause anxiety, particularly in pediatric patients. Such anxiety can result in behavioural challenges, prolonged scan times, and increased reliance on sedation. At Victoria Children’s Hospital in London, Ontario, Canada, Child Life specialists use play-based and educational interventions to prepare children and their families for MRI procedures. While these methods are effective, they do not fully replicate the MRI experience. To address this limitation, an immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation of the hospital’s MRI suite was developed using Blender and Unreal Engine. Twenty-eight participants completed a pilot randomized crossover study comparing VR preparation with standard Child Life preparation. Child anxiety was measured using the six-item State Anxiety Inventory for Children (SAI-CH-6). Mean state anxiety decreased significantly from baseline to immediately after the first preparation session across both groups, F(1, 26) = 9.23, p = .005. No difference in anxiety change was detected between groups F(1, 26) = 0.10, p = .756. Findings provide preliminary support for immersive VR in pediatric MRI preparation.