Effects of a Pre-MRI Experiential Education Program on Anxiety and MRI Compliance in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

INTERVENTION: Behavioral : Prior to the MRI examination, an MRI unit nurse provided a 10‐minute verbal MRI education session to children in the control group and their parents. Children in the intervention group and their parents received the same 10‐minute verbal MRI education session, followed by a 10‐minute MRI experiential education program. The verbal MRI education was developed by systematically organizing the routine information provided to children scheduled for MRI examinations using an educational booklet. The content included the purpose and procedures of MRI examinations. The MRI experiential education program involved a guided introduction to the MRI environment. In the MRI control room, children were exposed to the various sounds generated during MRI scanning and were shown a magnified camera view of the examination process while lying on the scanner table. Subsequently, in the MRI scanner room, the nurse demonstrated the strength of the magnetic field by placing a metal‐containing name tag near the MRI scanner and explained the associated safety precautions. Children were then encouraged to lie on the scanner table and experience the positioning procedures used during the examination. This included placement of support pads for head stabilization and application of the head coil. The nurse explained that remaining still during the scan was necessary to obtain clear images and prevent delays in image acquisition. In addition, children were informed that the examiner would provide updates on the remaining examination time and offer positive feedback throughout the procedure to encourage cooperation and compliance. CONDITION: Factors influencing health status and contact with health services PRIMARY OUTCOME: MRI examination compliance SECONDARY OUTCOME: Anxiety INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants were children aged 5 to 9 years and their parents who were scheduled to undergo MRI examinations through the pediatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Jeonju, South Korea. Eligible participants were those who understood the purpose of the study, voluntarily agreed to participate, were able to communicate, and were capable of understanding and responding to the educational content and study questionnaires.