Mandatory Child Life Consultation and Its Impact on Pediatric MRI Workflow in an Academic Medical Center

Child life specialists predict successful MRI scanning in unsedated children 4 to 12 years old

BACKGROUND

It can be challenging for children to cooperate for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam. General anesthesia is often used to ensure a high-quality image. When determining the need for general anesthesia, many institutions use a simple age cutoff. Decisions on the necessity for anesthesia are often left to schedulers who lack training on determination of patient compliance.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to evaluate whether screening questions administered by certified child life specialists (CCLS) could successfully predict which children could complete an MRI without sedation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective, institutional review board approved study. Data was collected as part of a quality improvement program, where a CCLS screened 4- to 12-year-old children scheduled for MRI scanning using a questionnaire. Parent responses to the screening questions, CCLS's recommendation for scheduling the MRI awake, start and end time for the MRI scan, and scan success were recorded. A predictive model for the CCLS's recommendation was developed using the child's age, estimated scan length, scan difficulty, and the parent's responses to the screening questions. The primary outcome measure was a successfully completed MRI not requiring additional imaging under anesthesia.

RESULTS

Of the 403 screened children, 317 (79%) were recommended to attempt the MRI without anesthesia. The median age of participants was 7 (IQR 4-17) years. Overall, 309 of 317 (97.5%) participants, recommended by the CCLS for the program, met the primary outcome of successful MRI completion on their first attempt. The multivariable regression model which included clinical information about the child's age, estimated scan length, scan difficulty, and four of the six parent screening questions had excellent performance (area under the curve = 0.89).

CONCLUSION

Information collected by the CCLS via screening along with the child's age, the estimated scan length, and difficulty can help predict which children are likely to successfully complete a non-sedate MRI.

The imperative of the child life profession in KSA in transforming the quality of pediatric healthcare

Saudi Arabia has made substantial advancements in its pediatric healthcare infrastructure. However, substantial gaps persist in addressing hospitalized children's emotional safety, and psychosocial and developmental needs. Internationally, the child life profession has evolved over decades to specifically address these needs, through interventions such as therapeutic play, age-appropriate patient education, and family support. This article evaluates the imperative for integrating the child life profession into healthcare services in Saudi Arabia to transform the quality of pediatric healthcare. An analysis of the current landscape revealed gaps in pediatric psychosocial care. These gaps are listed as national priorities in the health transformation program aimed at improving healthcare quality and enhancing well-being. Integrating the child life profession can help achieve these objectives for children and families in Saudi Arabia. This article highlights the multifaceted benefits of the child life profession in improving patient experiences, healthcare delivery efficiency, pediatric healthcare quality, and the overall well-being of children and families. Strategies for phased implementation, involving healthcare institutions, academic partners, relevant non-profit partners, and policymakers, are proposed.

Child life specialist services, practice, and utilization across health care: a scoping review

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review was to map the available evidence regarding the scope of child life specialist services, practice, and utilization.

INTRODUCTION

The concept of child life services began in 1922 and emerged as the child life specialist services specialty in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. Child life specialists are members of multidisciplinary health care system teams who prioritize the developmental needs of pediatric patients to support and improve patient and family health care experiences. Evidence of the effectiveness of child life specialist services and the utilization of those services is often incorporated in multidisciplinary research reports and thus overlooked.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

All quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research study reports and systematic reviews investigating child life specialist services, practice, and utilization in health care systems were included.

METHODS

This review was guided by the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and a published a priori protocol. CINAHL (EBSCOhost), MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and PsycINFO (APA) were searched for evidence published from January 1980 to August 2022.

RESULTS

Research publications about child life specialist services, practice, and utilization have increased dramatically over the past decade, with more than 50% of studies published in the past 5 years. Although the first authors of the majority of the research publications were physicians, these multidisciplinary author teams depicted child life specialist services in a variety of roles, including co-investigators, interventionists, and research subjects. The 105 full-text publications reviewed were from 9 countries, plus 1 publication that surveyed people across Europe. The contexts spanned a wide scope of clinical settings and medical subspecialties, but primarily in hospitals and health centers, and to a lesser extent, in ambulatory clinics and communities. A wide variety of child life specialist services were described across these settings.

CONCLUSION

Mapping the research can help delineate the barriers and facilitators to child life specialist services in health care systems. This scoping review provides evidence of the global diffusion of child life specialist services across health care system settings, with recent increases in research publications involving child life specialist services.

Patient-Centered Radiology Communications: Engaging Patients as Partners

Patient-centered care is a model in which, by bringing the patient's perspective to the design and delivery of health care, we can better meet patients' needs, enhancing the quality of care. Patient-centered care requires finding ways to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population that has various levels of health literacy, cultural backgrounds, and unique needs and preferences. Moreover, multimedia resources have the potential to inform and educate patients promoting greater independence. In this review, we discuss the fundamentals of communication with the different modes used in radiology and the key elements of effective communication. Then, we highlight five opportunities along the continuum of care in the radiology practice in which we can improve communications to empower our patients and families and strengthen this partnership. Lastly, we discuss the importance on communication training of the workforce, optimizing and seamlessly integrating technology solutions into our workflows, and the need for patient feedback in the design and delivery of care.

Nonpharmacological Interventions to Reduce Sedation and General Anesthesia in Pediatric MRI: A Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Nonpharmacological strategies are increasingly used in pediatric procedures, but in pediatric MRI, sedation and general anesthesia are still commonly required.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions in reducing use of sedation and general anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing MRI, and to investigate effects on scan time, image quality, and anxiety.

DATA SOURCES

We searched Ovid Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and CENTRAL from inception through October 10, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs comparing the effect of a nonpharmacological intervention with standard care on use of sedation or general anesthesia, scan time, image quality, or child and parental anxiety among infants (<2 years), children, and adolescents (2-18 years) undergoing MRI.

DATA EXTRACTION

Standardized instruments were used to extract data and assess study quality.

RESULTS

Forty-six studies were eligible for the systematic review. Limited to studies on children and adolescents, the meta-analysis included 20 studies with 33 873 patients. Intervention versus comparator analysis showed that nonpharmacological interventions were associated with reduced need for sedation and general anesthesia in the randomized control trials (risk ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.95; l2 = 35%) and nonrandomized studies (risk ratio, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.66; l2 = 91%). The effect was largest among children aged 3 to 10 years when compared with older children and adolescents aged 11 to 18 years.

LIMITATIONS

There was substantial heterogeneity among nonrandomized studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonpharmacological interventions must be considered as standard procedure in infants, children, and adolescents undergoing MRI.

Effectiveness of training before unsedated MRI scans in young children: a randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

Young children requiring clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be given general anesthesia. General anesthesia has potential side effects, is costly, and introduces logistical challenges. Thus, methods that allow children to undergo awake MRI scans are desirable.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of mock scanner training with a child life specialist, play-based training with a child life specialist, and home book and video preparation by parents to allow non-sedated clinical MRI scanning in children aged 3-7 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Children (3-7 years, n=122) undergoing clinical MRI scans at the Alberta Children's Hospital were invited to participate and randomized to one of three groups: home-based preparation materials, training with a child life specialist (no mock MRI), or training in a mock MRI with a child life specialist. Training occurred a few days prior to their MRI. Self- and parent-reported functioning (PedsQL VAS) were assessed pre/post-training (for the two training groups) and pre/post-MRI. Scan success was determined by a pediatric radiologist.

RESULTS

Overall, 91% (111/122) of children successfully completed an awake MRI. There were no significant differences between the mock scanner (89%, 32/36), child life (88%, 34/39), and at-home (96%, 45/47) groups (P=0.34). Total functioning scores were similar across groups; however, the mock scanner group had significantly lower self-reported fear (F=3.2, P=0.04), parent-reported sadness (F=3.3, P=0.04), and worry (F=3.5, P=0.03) prior to MRI. Children with unsuccessful scans were younger (4.5 vs. 5.7 years, P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Most young children can tolerate awake MRI scans and do not need to be routinely anesthetized. All preparation methods tested, including at-home materials, were effective.

Economic Evaluation Comparing Virtual Reality with Child Life Programming for Non-sedated Pediatric Medical Imaging: A Cost-Consequence Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Effective preparation of children for hospital procedures, including non-sedated medical imaging, is an important clinical issue. This study aimed to assess the costs and consequences (effects) of preparing pediatric patients using two methods of delivering preparation for a scheduled magnetic resonance image (MRI)-virtual reality (VR-MRI) and a certified Child Life Program (CLP).

METHODS

A cost-consequence analysis (CCA) was performed using a societal perspective in Canada. The CCA catalogs a wide range of costs and consequences of VR-MRI compared with a CLP. The evaluation uses data from a prior randomized clinical trial evaluating VR and a CLP in a simulated trial. The economic evaluation encompassed health-related effects, including anxiety, safety and adverse events, and non-health effects, including preparation time, displaced time from usual activities, workload capacity, patient-specific adaptation, administrative burden, and user-experience metrics. The costs have been categorized into hospital operational costs, travel costs, other patient costs, and societal costs.

RESULTS

VR-MRI has similar benefits to the CLP in managing anxiety, safety and adverse events, as well as converting patients to non-sedated medical imaging. Preparation time and patient-specific adaptation are in favor of the CLP, while displaced time from usual activities, potential workload capacity, and administrative burden are in favor of VR-MRI. Both programs rank favorably in terms of user experience. The hospital operational costs ranged in Canadian dollars (CAN$) from CAN$32.07 for the CLP to between CAN$107.37 and CAN$129.73 for VR-MRI. Travel costs ranged from CAN$50.58 to CAN$2365.18 depending on travel distance for the CLP, and CAN$0 for VR-MRI. Other patient costs involved caregiver time off, and ranged from CAN$190.69 to CAN$$1144.16 for the CLP and CAN$47.67 for VR-MRI. The total cost for the CLP ranged from CAN$315.16 (CAN$277.91-$426.64) to CAN$3843.41 (CAN$3196.59-$4849.91) per patient depending on travel distance and amount of administrative support required, while VR-MRI preparation ranged from CAN$178.30 (CAN$178.20-$188.76) to CAN$283.85 (CAN$283.71-$298.40) per patient. For every instance where patient travel to visit a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) onsite was replaced with VR-MRI, between CAN$119.01 and CAN$3364.62 total costs could be saved per patient.

CONCLUSIONS

While it is neither feasible nor appropriate to replace all preparation with VR, using VR to reach children who cannot otherwise visit the CLP onsite could increase access to quality preparation, and using VR in place of the CLP where clinically indicated could reduce the overall costs for patients, the hospital, and society. Our CCA gives decision makers a cost analysis and the relevant effects of each preparation program so they can value the VR and CLP programs more broadly within the potential health and non-health outcomes of pediatric patients scheduled for MRI at their facilities.

Current state of pediatric neuro-oncology imaging, challenges and future directions

Imaging plays a central role in neuro-oncology including primary diagnosis, treatment planning, and surveillance of tumors. The emergence of quantitative imaging and radiomics provided an uprecedented opportunity to compile mineable databases that can be utilized in a variety of applications. In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of conventional and advanced imaging techniques, standardization efforts, fast protocols, contrast and sedation in pediatric neuro-oncologic imaging, radiomics-radiogenomics, multi-omics and molecular imaging approaches. We will also address the existing challenges and discuss future directions.

The Influence of Patient-Centered Communication on Children's Anxiety and Use of Anesthesia for MR

Background: The aim of this study was to inspect the influence of patient-centered communication (PCC) with 4- to 10-year-old children on the use of anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging exams (MRs). Methods: A total of thirty children received the PCC and pre-simulated the exam with an MR toy. Another 30 children received routine information about the MR and pre-simulated the exam with the toy. Anesthesia use in these two groups was additionally compared with a previously existing group of children (n = 30) who had received only routine information about the exam (CG). Children’s anxiety was assessed with a self-report question plus heartbeat frequency. Children’s satisfaction was assessed through several questions. The analyses were based on group comparisons and regression. Results: A total of two children (7%) in the PCC + simulation group used sedation compared with 14 (47%) in the simulation group and 21 (70%) in the CG. Differences between the PCC + simulation and the other two groups were significant (p < 0.001), although not between the simulation and the CG. The decrease in anxiety was significantly greater (self-reported p < 0.001; heart rate p < 0.05) and satisfaction was higher (p = 0.001) in the PCC + simulation, when compared with the simulation group. Reduced anxiety was associated with less anesthesia use (OR 1.39; CI 1.07−1.79; p = 0.013). Conclusions: PCC + simulation was more effective than simulation and routine practice in decreasing children’s anxiety, increasing satisfaction, and reducing the use of anesthesia for MRs.

Integration of child life services in the delivery of multi-disciplinary differences in Sexual Development (DSD) and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) care

INTRODUCTION

Multiple studies have demonstrated the benefit of incorporating certified child life specialist (CCLS) services in various aspects of pediatric care. Although the significance of psychosocial support of patients with Disorders of Sexual Development (DSD) and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) is increasingly recognized, the involvement of CCLS services into the DSD and CAH multidisciplinary care model has yet to be described.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and patient and family experience of routinely incorporating CCLS services into the multidisciplinary DSD and CAH care model.

STUDY DESIGN

As part of a quality improvement initiative, CCLS services were routinely incorporated in the multidisciplinary DSD and CAH clinics at our institution. Encounters for patients seen in clinic between July 2018 through October 2019 were reviewed for demographic information, DSD diagnosis classification, CCLS documentation, and whether an exam under anesthesia (EUA) was required due to an incomplete clinical exam. CCLS documentation was reviewed for assessments, interventions, whether patients tolerated their physical exams, time of CCLS services, and additional CCLS support beyond the physical exam. All patients were limited to one physical exam per clinic visit.

RESULTS

Out of the 45 encounters with CCLS involvement, 42 (93.3%) exams were well-tolerated. CCLS assessments considered patient development, communication considerations, temperament, medical stressors, coping preferences, and patient preferences for activities and distractions. Interventions included preparing patients for their physical exams, encouragement before and during exams, addressing patient stressors, distractions and coping mechanisms, and advocating for the patient. No patients required an EUA.

DISCUSSION

The CCLS aimed to provide families with a sense of control during clinic visits and teach them to advocate for themselves. The CCLS helped prepare and distract patients for their clinic visit and addressed the sensitive nature of the physical exam by focusing on the emotional and development needs of patients. CCLS contributions to a positive patient experience are consistent with multiple studies demonstrating the benefit of CCLS services for pediatric care. This quality improvement initiative ultimately helped to create a positive experience for patients and families.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the feasibility, acceptability, and positive impact of CCLS services in the delivery of patient and family-centered care for patients with DSD and CAH as part of the multidisciplinary team model.

Acute Hospital Management of Pediatric Stroke

The field of pediatric stroke has historically been hampered by limited evidence and small patient cohorts. However the landscape of childhood stroke is rapidly changing due in part to increasing awareness of the importance of pediatric stroke and the emergence of dedicated pediatric stroke centers, care pathways, and alert systems. Acute pediatric stroke management hinges on timely diagnosis confirmed by neuroimaging, appropriate consideration of recanalization therapies, implementation of neuroprotective measures, and attention to secondary prevention. Because pediatric stroke is highly heterogenous in etiology, management strategies must be individualized. Determining a child's underlying stroke etiology is essential to appropriately tailoring hyperacute stroke management and determining best approach to secondary prevention. Herein, we review the methods of recognition, diagnosis, management, current knowledge gaps and promising research for pediatric stroke.

Interventions and methods to prepare, educate or familiarise children and young people for radiological procedures: a scoping review

Children attending hospital for radiological procedures can experience uncertainty, anxiety and distress; this can result in sub-optimal experiences for children, poor scan quality and the need for radiological procedures to be rescheduled or sedation to be used. The preparation and education of children before clinical procedures has been shown to have a positive influence on procedural outcomes. This scoping review aimed to locate and examine the evidence relating to non-invasive interventions and methods to prepare, educate and familiarise children for radiological procedures within a healthcare setting. A comprehensive search strategy identified 36 articles. A narrative synthesis approach was adopted to make sense of the key findings. Studies investigated a range of radiological procedures (MRI, plain radiographs, CT, fluoroscopy and Micturating cystourethrogram) using a wide range of interventions (smartphone applications, storybooks, videos, mock scanners) which varied by method, mode of delivery and target audience. The outcomes used to evaluate the value and impact of the interventions are wide, varied and inconsistently applied making it difficult to judge which interventions offer the optimal impact on scan quality, scan completion and children’s experiences. This review highlights that there is a need to further understand which specific elements of the non-invasive interventions ‘work best’ for children. There is a need for consistency on the outcomes measured and for these measures to include child-centred outcomes alongside scan quality and length of radiological procedure.

Let's Play the fMRI-Advantages of Gamified Paradigm in Examining the Motor Cortex of Young Children

Background: Performing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) examination is difficult when a child needs to stay awake and cooperate. Many techniques help to prepare them for the study but without modification of the examination protocol. The objective of this research was to prepare a gamified motor paradigm (“computer game”) that will improve the fMRI examination of young children. Methods: After preparing a dedicated application the fMRI examination was performed on 60 healthy children (10 girls and 10 boys in each age group of 4, 5, and 6 years old). Each child performed the gamified and a standard motor paradigm, both based on squeezing a rubber bulb. The effectiveness of squeezing were compared. Results: With the application of the gamified paradigm children completed significantly more active blocks (3.3 ± 1.4) than for the standard paradigm (2.2 ± 1.6) (p < 0.0001). In mixed-effects Poisson regression, age (IRR = 1.9; 95%CI: 1.5−2.5) and application of gamified paradigm (IRR = 5.6; 95%CI: 1.1−28.0) were significantly associated with more completed blocks. Conclusions: The gamified motor paradigm performed better than a standard paradigm in the fMRI examination of children between 4 and 6 years old. It allowed a significant increase in the number of completed active blocks and also better squeezing effectiveness in each block.

Screening of cancer predisposition syndromes

Pediatric patients with cancer predisposition syndromes are at increased risk of developing malignancies compared with their age-matched peers, necessitating regular surveillance. Screening protocols differ among syndromes and are composed of a number of elements, imaging being one. Surveillance can be initiated in infants, children and adolescents with a tumor known or suspected of being related to a cancer predisposition syndrome or where genetic testing identifies a germline pathogenic gene variant in an asymptomatic child. Pre-symptomatic detection of malignant neoplasms offers potential to improve treatment options and survival outcomes, but the benefits and risks of screening need to be weighed, particularly with variable penetrance in many cancer predisposition syndromes. In this review we discuss the benefits and risks of surveillance imaging and the importance of integrating imaging and non-imaging screening elements. We explore the principles of surveillance imaging with particular reference to whole-body MRI, considering the strategies to minimize false-negative and manage false-positive whole-body MRI results, the value of standardized nomenclature when reporting risk stratification to better guide patient management, and the need for timely communication of results to allay anxiety. Cancer predisposition syndrome screening is a multimodality, multidisciplinary and longitudinal process, so developing formalized frameworks for surveillance imaging programs should enhance diagnostic performance while improving the patient experience.

Strategies to perform magnetic resonance imaging in infants and young children without sedation

Given the increasing use of MRI in the pediatric population, the need for sedation in MRI performed in young children is a topic of growing importance. Although sedation is generally tolerated well by children, the financial and operational impacts of anesthesia on MRI workflow, as well as potential adverse effects of anesthetic medications, highlight the need to perform MRI in children without sedation whenever possible. This review focuses on current techniques to facilitate non-sedation MRI in children, including exam preparation with MRI simulation; asleep but not sedated techniques; awake and relaxed techniques using certified child life specialists, animal-assisted therapy, a child-friendly environment and in-scan entertainment; and non-sedated MRI protocol modifications such as shorter scan time, prioritizing sequences, reducing motion artifact, noise reduction, limiting use of gadolinium, employing an open MRI and modifying protocols.

Comparing a Virtual Reality-Based Simulation App (VR-MRI) With a Standard Preparatory Manual and Child Life Program for Improving Success and Reducing Anxiety During Pediatric Medical Imaging: Randomized Clinical Trial

Background

The experience of undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be anxiety provoking, particularly for pediatric patients and their families. Alternative methods to improve success and experiences without the use of sedation are needed.

Objective

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)—based simulation app (VR-MRI) with a standard preparatory manual (SPM) and a hospital-based Child Life Program (CLP) on success and anxiety during a simulated pediatric MRI scan. Our secondary aim is to compare caregivers’ reported anxiety, procedural data, caregiver usability, child satisfaction, and fun.

Methods

This unblinded, randomized, triple-arm clinical trial involved 92 children aged 4-13 years and their caregivers. Recruitment was conducted through posters, public libraries, community centers, and social media. At a 2-hour session, participants were instructed to prepare for a simulated MRI head scan using one of three randomly assigned preparation materials: the VR-MRI app, SPM, or the CLP. Data were collected before preparation, during a simulated MRI head scan, and after the simulated scan. The primary outcomes were the success of the simulated MRI scan (MoTrak head motion tracking system), and child-reported anxiety (Venham picture test). We secondarily measured caregivers’ reported anxiety (short State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), procedural data (minutes), usability (Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use Questionnaire), and child-reported satisfaction and fun (visual analog scales).

Results

A total of 84 participants were included in the final analysis (VR-MRI: 30/84, 36%; SPM: 24/84, 29%; and CLP: 30/84, 36%). There were no clinically significant differences between the groups in terms of success during the MRI simulation (P=.27) or the children’s reported anxiety at any timepoint (timepoint 1, P=.99; timepoint 2, P=.008; timepoint 3, P=.10). Caregivers reported being significantly more anxious after preparing with the manual than caregivers in the other 2 groups (P<.001). Child and caregiver anxiety had a significant relationship, increasing together with moderate effect (r₈₄=0.421; P<.001). Participants using VR-MRI took the most time to prepare (P<.001) and participants using the manual took the least time (P<.001). No statistically significant relationships were found between time preparing and time completing the simulated assessment (P=.13). There were no differences found in ease of use (P=.99), ease of learning (P=.48), and usefulness (P=.11) between the groups; however, caregivers reported being significantly more satisfied with the VR-MRI app and CLP than SPM (P<.001). Children reported the most satisfaction with the CLP (P<.001). There were no differences in how much fun the preparation materials were perceived to be (P=.37).

Conclusions

Digital preparation experiences using VR-based media could be a viable solution to improve the success of nonsedated MRI scans, with outcomes comparable with hospital-based in-person preparatory programs. Future research should focus on validating the results in a real MRI setting.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03931382; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03931382

Pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department: surveying the current European practice

Procedural sedation and analgesia outside the operating theater have become standard care in managing pain and anxiety in children undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The objectives of this study are to describe the current pediatric procedural sedation and analgesia practice patterns in European emergency departments, to perform a needs assessment-like analysis, and to identify barriers to implementation. A survey study of European emergency departments treating children was conducted. Through a lead research coordinator identified through the Research in European Pediatric Emergency Medicine (REPEM) network for each of the participating countries, a 30-question questionnaire was sent, targeting senior physicians at each site. Descriptive statistics were performed. One hundred and seventy-one sites participated, treating approximately 5 million children/year and representing 19 countries, with a response rate of 89%. Of the procedural sedation and analgesia medications, midazolam (100%) and ketamine (91%) were available to most children, whereas propofol (67%), nitrous oxide (56%), intranasal fentanyl (47%), and chloral hydrate (42%) were less frequent. Children were sedated by general pediatricians in 82% of cases. Safety and monitoring guidelines were common (74%), but pre-procedural checklists (51%) and capnography (46%) less available. In 37% of the sites, the entire staff performing procedural sedation and analgesia were certified in pediatric advanced life support. Pediatric emergency medicine was a board-certified specialty in 3/19 countries. Physician (73%) and nursing (72%) shortages and lack of physical space (69%) were commonly reported as barriers to procedural sedation and analgesia. Nurse-directed triage protocols were in place in 52% of the sites, mostly for paracetamol (99%) and ibuprofen (91%). Tissue adhesive for laceration repair was available to 91% of children, while topical anesthetics for intravenous catheterization was available to 55%. Access to child life specialists (13%) and hypnosis (12%) was rare.Conclusion: Procedural sedation and analgesia are prevalent in European emergency departments, but some sedation agents and topical anesthetics are not widely available. Guidelines are common but further safety nets, nurse-directed triage analgesia, and nonpharmacologic support to procedural sedation and analgesia are lacking. Barriers to implementation include availability of sedation agents, staff shortage, and lack of space. What is Known: • Effective and prompt analgesia, anxiolysis, and sedation (PSA) outside the operating theatre have become standard in managing pain and anxiety in children undergoing painful or anxiogenic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. • We searched PubMed up to September 15, 2020, without any date limits or language restrictions, using different combinations of the MeSH terms "pediatrics," "hypnotics and sedatives," "conscious sedation," and "ambulatory surgical procedures" and the non-MeSH term "procedural sedation" and found no reports describing the current practice of pediatric PSA in Europe. What is New: • This study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to shed light on the pediatric PSA practice in European EDs and uncovers important gaps in several domains, notably availability of sedation medications and topical anesthetics, safety aspects such as PSA provider training, availability of nonpharmacologic support to PSA, and high impact interventions such as nurse-directed triage analgesia. • Other identified barriers to PSA implementation include staff shortage, control of sedation medications by specialists outside the emergency department, and lack of space.

Child Life Services

Child life programs are an important component of pediatric hospital-based care; they address the psychosocial concerns that accompany hospitalization and other health care experiences. Child life specialists focus on the optimal development and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults while promoting coping skills and minimizing the adverse effects of hospitalization, health care encounters, and/or other potentially stressful experiences. In collaboration with the entire health care team and family, child life specialists provide interventions that include therapeutic play, expressive modalities, and psychological preparation to facilitate coping and normalization at times and under circumstances that might otherwise prove overwhelming for the child. Play and developmentally appropriate communication are used to (1) promote optimal development, (2) educate children and families about health conditions, (3) prepare children and partner with families for medical events or procedures, (4) plan and rehearse useful coping and pain-management strategies with patients and families, (5) help children work through feelings about past or impending experiences, and (6) partner with families to establish therapeutic relationships between patients, siblings, and caregivers. Child life specialists collaborate with the entire interdisciplinary team to promote coping and enhance the overall health care experience for patients and families.

We All Need a Little TLC: An Argument for an Increased Role of Child Life Services in Patient Care and Medical Education

Child life services (CLS) was created through a synthesis of developmental psychology, a recognition of the inherent difficulties of a hospital environment, and a desire to improve the patient experience of children. Many of the principles of CLS can be applied to other patients as well. In this article, the history of CLS is briefly surveyed, followed by a review of the successes of CLS in the hospital. An argument for an increased role for CLS in medical education and the development of a Program for Adult Life Services is then proposed.

The role of child life in pediatric radiology

Pediatric radiology departments rely heavily on a dedicated, efficient and collaborative multi-disciplinary health care team to provide efficient service and quality care to patients and families. Certified child life specialists are an essential part of this multi-disciplinary team. The main goal of the child life specialists is to improve the overall experience for patients and families. In addition, child life specialists, working in collaboration with the medical care team, help decrease the need for general anesthesia by providing patient pain management, distraction and coping techniques. These interventions result in improved patient safety, increased departmental efficiency and increased revenue. The role of child life specialists extends into the exam room, where their interventions help decrease procedure times and improve imaging quality. In this article, the authors discuss the key role of child life specialists in a pediatric radiology department and provide examples of how child life can impact patient safety, patient and family satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Whole-Body MRI Surveillance of Cancer Predisposition Syndromes: Current Best Practice Guidelines for Use, Performance, and Interpretation

OBJECTIVE. Whole-body MRI is a valuable tool in the surveillance of cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs). Because it allows wide-FOV imaging without ionizing radiation, whole-body MRI is ideal in pediatric patients, enabling efficient assessment of different organ systems for multifocal disease. This article summarizes the use of whole-body MRI in pediatric patients with CPSs for earlier detection of malignancy, provides evidence where available, and offers guidance where lacking because of the rarity of CPSs. Protocol modifications and technique performance in specific CPSs are also considered. CONCLUSION. Whole-body MRI is the preferred imaging modality for surveillance of pediatric patients with CPSs, and the growing literature supports its importance in presymptomatic cancer detection.

Success of Nonsedated Neuroradiologic MRI in Children 1-7 Years Old

BACKGROUND. MRI use and the need for monitored anesthesia care (MAC) in children have increased. However, MAC is associated with examination delays, increased cost, and safety concerns. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate of nonsedated neuroradiologic MRI studies in children 1-7 years old and to investigate factors associated with success. METHODS. We retrospectively reviewed data from our institutional nonsedated MRI program. Inclusion criteria were outpatient nonsedated MRI referral, age 1-7 years old, and neuroradiologic indication. Exclusion criteria were MRI examinations for ventricular checks and contrast material use. Success was determined by reviewing the clinical MRI report. We recorded patient age and sex, type of MRI examination (brain, spine, craniospinal, head and neck, and brain with MRA), protocol length, presence of child life specialist, video goggle use, and MRI appointment time (routine daytime appointment or evening appointment). We used descriptive statistics to summarize patient demographics and clinical data and logistic regression models to evaluate predictors of success in the entire sample. Subset analyses were performed for children from 1 to < 3 years old and 3 to 7 years old. RESULTS. We analyzed 217 patients who underwent nonsedated MRI examinations (median age, 5.1 years). Overall success rate was 82.0% (n = 178). The success rates were 81.4% (n = 127) for brain, 90.3% (n = 28) for spine, 71.4% (n = 10) for craniospinal, 66.7% (n = 6) for head and neck, and 100% (n = 7) for brain with MRA. Age was significantly associated with success (odds ratio [OR], 1.33; p = .009). In children 1 to < 3 years old, none of the factors analyzed were significant predictors of success (all, p > .48). In children 3-7 years old, protocol duration (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99; p = .02) and video goggle use (OR, 6.38; 95% CI, 2.16-18.84; p = .001) were significantly associated with success. CONCLUSION. A multidisciplinary approach with age-appropriate resources enables a high success rate for nonsedated neuroradiologic MRI in children 1-7 years old. CLINICAL IMPACT. Using age as the primary criterion to determine the need for MAC may lead to overuse of these services. Dissemination of information regarding nonsedated MRI practice could reduce the rate of sedated MRI in young children.

Pediatric Anesthesia Outside the Operating Room: Case Management

Anesthesiology teams care for children in diverse locations, including diagnostic and interventional radiology, gastroenterology and pulmonary endoscopy suites, radiation oncology units, and cardiac catheterization laboratories. To provide safe, high-quality care, anesthesiologists working in these environments must understand the unique environmental and perioperative considerations and risks involved with each remote location and patient population. Once these variables are addressed, anesthesia and procedural teams can coordinate to ensure that patients and families receive the same high-quality care that they have come to expect in the operating room. This article also describes some of the considerations for anesthetic care in outfield locations.

Evaluation of distraction techniques for patients aged 4-10 years undergoing magnetic resonance imaging examinations

OBJECTIVES

The main aim of the review is to identify potentially effective distraction techniques for the 4 to 10 age range whilst reducing the need for sedation. Objectives also included assessment of the applicability of distraction for the 4-10 age range and, where appropriate, to identify potential cost implications and assess the interventions' impact on image quality.

KEY FINDINGS

A priori search terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed and two independent reviewers were employed to assess study quality. Five studies fitted the criteria of the systematic search strategy. The studies implemented a range of distraction and preparatory techniques resulting in paediatric patients being able to complete an MRI scan to a diagnostic level in the 4 to 10-year-old age category with a sedation rate of 5-20%. All interventions included in the review required time with the patient prior to the scan.

CONCLUSION

There are a range of efficacious techniques that can be employed to reduce the sedation rates in children aged 4-10 years, whilst allowing diagnostic images to be acquired. The introduction of play and the engagement with the patient prior to the scan appear to be indicators of intervention effectiveness. The efficacy of these interventions does not appear to be linked with proprietary equipment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Age appropriate interventions are necessary for children of different ages and these distraction interventions may be implemented within departments, for little cost, with notable benefits in terms of sedation.

Pediatric Functional Neuroimaging: Practical Tips and Pearls

OBJECTIVE. Functional MRI (fMRI) is clinically used for localization of eloquent cortex before surgical intervention, most commonly motor and language function in patients with tumors or epilepsy. In the pediatric population, special considerations for fMRI relate to limited examination tolerance, small head size, developing anatomy and physiology, and diverse potential abnormalities. In this article, we will highlight pearls and pitfalls of clinical pediatric fMRI including blood oxygenation level-dependent imaging principles, patient preparation, study acquisition, data postprocessing, and examination interpretation. CONCLUSION. Clinical fMRI is indicated for presurgical localization of eloquent cortex in patients with tumors, epilepsy, or other neurologic conditions and requires a solid understanding of technical considerations and data processing. In children, special approaches are needed for patient preparation as well as study design, acquisition, and interpretation. Radiologists should be cognizant of developmental neuroanatomy, causes of neuropathology, and capacity for neuroplasticity in the pediatric population.

Effects of an MRI Try Without program on patient access

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients are often sedated for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to ensure images are of diagnostic quality. However, access time for MRIs requiring sedation is often long due to high patient volumes and limited sedation resources.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effectiveness of an MRI Try Without sedation program to decrease the wait time for obtaining an MRI while simultaneously ensuring diagnostic-quality images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on subjects who utilized the MRI Try Without program from April 2014 through June 2015 at a dedicated pediatric institution. Child life specialist preparations and access time (i.e. time from exam ordered to exam completed) were recorded in each patient's electronic medical record. MRI images were evaluated for image quality by a pediatric neuroradiologist.

RESULTS

A total of 134 patients participated in the MRI Try Without program (mean age: 6.9±1.7 years), all of whom received interventions from a child life specialist. The average number of days between when the order was placed and when the MRI was completed using the MRI Try Without program was 15.4±18.5 days, while the third-available appointment for sedation/anesthesia was 46.2 days (standard deviation [SD]±15.7 days). Nearly all patients received a "good" or "very good" image quality determination (87.3%) and only 5 (3.8%) patients were recommended for repeat examination for diagnostic-quality images.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of an MRI Try Without sedation program, with child life specialist interventions, decreased the wait time for obtaining an MRI while still providing diagnostic-quality images.

Transforming the Imaging Experience While Decreasing Sedation Rates

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of the MRI-am-a-Hero program on sedation utilization for outpatient pediatric MRI studies.

METHODS

The MRI-am-a-Hero program, which utilizes multimedia educational material and popular comic book characters to educate and support pediatric patients during MRI scan, was implemented at the radiology facility of a single tertiary care, academic medical center. The effect of the MRI-am-a-Hero program on sedation utilization for pediatric MRI was retrospectively evaluated using multivariate regressions yielding odds ratio of sedation before and after program implementation. The institutional review board approved the study with HIPAA compliancy. Effectiveness of the program was evaluated while controlling for age, neurological MRI examination, number of examinations in the case, and use of intravenous contrast. Further analysis was performed in subgroups categorized by age, neurological MRI versus nonneurological MRI, and the use of contrast.

RESULTS

The percent of MRI cases with sedation decreased from 22.9% to 17.3% after the MRI-am-a-Hero program was implemented. When controlling for other variables, including patient age, neurological MRI, number of examinations in a case, and use of intravenous contrast, the odds of a study being performed with sedation after program implementation are 40% less than the odds before program implementation (odds ratio [OR] 0.60, P < .001). The effect of the program was greatest for patients aged 4 to 7 (OR 0.56, P < .001), followed by patients aged 8 to 11 (OR 0.64, P = .019). It was not statistically significant for patients aged 12 to 15 (OR 0.97, P = .919).

CONCLUSION

MRI-am-a-Hero is a generalizable and inexpensive program for reducing sedation utilization for outpatient pediatric MRI studies, especially for patients aged 4 to 11.

Easing anxiety in preparation for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging: a pilot study using animal-assisted therapy

BACKGROUND

Children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can experience negative emotions both before and during their scan, causing them to move and often necessitating the use of procedural sedation. Several strategies to improve patient compliance have been attempted.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety in pediatric patients preparing for MRI using animal-assisted therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An animal intervention pilot study was performed in patients who agreed in advance to interact with a dog. Patients and caregivers filled out questionnaires, including questions designed to capture changes in patient emotion before and after the intervention. MRI diagnostic quality was compared to age- and gender-matched control groups with and without general anesthesia.

RESULTS

The intervention in 21 patients comparing pre- and post-scan surveys demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in patient anxiety levels (P<0.01). Diagnostic MRI scans were achieved in 19/21 (90%), with no significant difference in exam quality or times compared against control groups. The majority of caregivers and staff members agreed strongly that patients benefited from the therapy dog's presence.

CONCLUSION

The use of animal-assisted therapy in a pilot group in our MRI division resulted in a beneficial effect on patients' emotional status, easing anxiety in preparation for scheduled scans, without impacting MRI quality or duration. Further randomized studies will be needed to demonstrate its significance in reducing sedation rates in children undergoing MRI.

Practical considerations for establishing and maintaining a magnetic resonance imaging safety program in a pediatric practice

Magnetic resonance imaging is a multipurpose imaging modality that is largely safe, given the lack of ionizing radiation. However there are electromagnetic and biological effects on human tissue when exposed to magnetic environments, and hence there is a risk of adverse events occurring with these exams. It is imperative to understand these risks and develop methods to minimize them and prevent consequent adverse events. Implementing these safety practices in pediatric MR imaging has been somewhat limited because of gaps in information and knowledge among the personnel who are closely involved in the MR environment. The American College of Radiology has provided guidelines on MR safety practices that are helpful in minimizing such adverse events. This article provides an overview of the issues related to MR safety and practical ways to implement them across different health care facilities.

Techniques for minimizing sedation in pediatric MRI

MRI is used widely in infants and young children. However, in these young cases deep sedation or general anesthesia is often required to minimize motion artifacts during MRI examinations. Although the benefits of MR typically outweigh the potential risks of sedation when delivered by an experienced team, there are increasing concerns regarding the affect of sedation on young children. There continues to be a push to develop various strategies that can minimize the need for sedation. The present review summarizes several technical and clinical approaches that can help decrease the need for sedation in the pediatric patient. Optimization of the MRI environment, the role of child life specialists, feed-and-bundle and distraction techniques, noise-reduction methods, artificial intelligence, and MRI advances to decrease both scan times and motion artifacts will be discussed. Level of Evidence: 5 Technical Efficacy Stage: 1 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019.

Impact of Age-appropriate Preparations for Children With Cancer Undergoing Radiotherapy on Parents and Family Functioning, Parents' Anxiety and Hospital Costs - A Feasibility Study

PURPOSE

The aim was to evaluate the impact of age-appropriate information and preparation procedures for children with cancer undergoing radiotherapy on 1) parents and family functioning, parents' anxiety and 2) hospital costs compared to traditional care.

DESIGN AND METHODS

An un-matched quasi-experimental controlled clinical trial was conducted consisting of a control group including 31 parents of 16 children receiving traditional care and an intervention group including 32 parents of 17 children receiving age-appropriate preparation including seven parts. Validated instruments measured parents and family functioning and parents' anxiety. Hospital costs were calculated.

RESULTS

Parents in the intervention group showed better communication throughout their child's radiotherapy (p = 0.01) and at their child's last fraction, parental social functioning improved (p = 0.02). Parents of children receiving general anesthesia, regardless of group, showed higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.04). In general, results regarding hospital costs lacked statistical significance. Development of the intervention was calculated to be USD 4.624.

CONCLUSION

Parents who receive age-appropriate information and preparation together with their child benefits in terms of improved communication and social functioning. When children avoid general anesthesia the parents experienced less anxiety and costs for the hospital was lowered.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

Age-appropriate preparations consisting of basic, non-costly utilities and a structured approach are important. If more children are able to undergo radiotherapy without general anesthesia, it means for the individual child fewer risks and restrictions, and for the parents decreased anxiety. For the healthcare, it means lower costs, which enables the hospital to prioritize other areas of pediatric care.

Child Life Reduces Distress and Pain and Improves Family Satisfaction in the Pediatric Emergency Department

This study evaluated the effects of Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) intervention on pediatric distress and pain and family satisfaction during routine peripheral intravenous (PIV) line placement in the emergency department (ED). A convenience sample of 78 children (3-13 years) requiring PIV placement for their treatment at a regional level 1 pediatric trauma center ED with 70 000 annual visits were selected to receive either standard nursing care or CCLS intervention for PIV placement. CCLS involvement was associated with fewer negative emotional behaviors as indicated by a lower score on the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (-3.37 ± 1.49, P = .027), a reduction in self-reported pain on the Wong-Baker Faces pain rating scale (-1.107 ± 0.445, P = .017), an increase in parent-reported patient cooperation during PIV placement, and greater satisfaction with the ED visit. This study demonstrates that Child Life can have an impact on important outcomes in the pediatric ED such as distress, pain, and visit satisfaction.

Child Life Services in an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

The goal of this study was to determine the value of a certified child life specialist (CCLS) on the patient and staff experiences in an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU). We integrated a CCLS into the EMU for all children as well as adults with intellectual disability. We surveyed families to determine the impact of child life services on their stay. EMU staff completed questionnaires to determine perceived impact to their job performance from the integration of the CCLS. All of the families (pediatric and adult patients) who responded to the survey reported the presence of the CCLS improved their hospital experience. Staff reported that the CCLS improved their daily work by allowing them to focus on their assigned medical duties. This preliminary pilot study suggests that CCLS can have a strong impact on the experience of patients and staff in an EMU.

Certified Child Life Specialists Lessen Emotional Distress of Children Undergoing Laceration Repair in the Emergency Department

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of certified child life specialists (CCLSs) on the emotional responses of children undergoing laceration repair in the emergency department (ED).

METHODS

Patients 4 to 12 years of age who required laceration repair by suturing were prospectively enrolled at an urban tertiary pediatric ED. Certified child life specialists are not available at all times in our institution, allowing for a priori categorization of subjects into 2 comparison groups, those with and those without CCLS involvement. Subjects requiring anxiolysis, pharmacologic sedation, narcotics, or physical restraint were excluded. The Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale, a previously validated Likert-like tool, was used to quantify the patients' distress, with a higher score reflecting a more emotional child. Just before placement of the first suture, subjects were scored by trained independent observers. Baseline data included age, sex, race, type of local anesthetic, length and location of laceration, and analgesics administered. The primary endpoint of emotional score was compared with a 2-tailed Mann-Whitney U test, with a P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Two hundred one patients constituted the final study cohort, with 103 (51%) having CCLS involvement. Study groups did not differ in regards to any baseline demographic or clinical characteristics. The median emotional score for patients with child life services was 7 (interquartile range, 6-9) versus 9 (interquartile range, 7.5-12) for those without (P < 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

Certified child life specialist involvement is associated with less emotional distress for children undergoing laceration repair in the ED.

Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Imaging: Focus on Whole-Body MRI

The American Association for Cancer Research convened a meeting of international pediatric oncologists, geneticists, genetic counselors, and radiologists expert in childhood cancer predisposition syndromes (CPS) in October 2016 to propose consensus surveillance guidelines. Imaging plays a central role in surveillance for most, though not all, syndromes discussed. While encompassing the full gamut of modalities, there is increasing emphasis on use of nonionizing radiation imaging options such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children and adolescents, especially in the pediatric CPS population. In view of rapid evolution and widespread adoption of whole-body MRI (WBMRI), the purpose of our review is to address WBMRI in detail. We discuss its place in the surveillance of a range of pediatric CPS, the technical and logistical aspects of acquiring and interpreting these studies, and the inherent limitations of WBMRI. We also address issues associated with sedation and use of gadolinium-based contrast agents in MRI in children. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); e6-e13. ©2017 AACRSee all articles in the online-only CCR Pediatric Oncology Series.

The Utility of the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale for Predicting Success in Pediatric Patients Undergoing MRI Without the Use of Anesthesia

PURPOSE

MRI is a common modality for diagnostic imaging. In children, general anesthesia is often required to complete MRI examinations. Simulation training can reduce the need for anesthesia in some children. Reliable screening tools to select who could benefit from practice MRI sessions are lacking. This study evaluates the use of the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) in effectively identifying patients who may benefit from simulation-based training.

METHODS

Children aged 5 and older who were originally scheduled for MRI with anesthesia in 2015 to 2016 were prospectively recruited for simulation-based training. The mYPAS assessment was performed by trained certified child life specialists before and after practice MRI sessions. The primary outcome was whether mYPAS could predict completing an MRI examination without anesthesia.

RESULTS

Eighty patients (43 boys and 37 girls, age 8.5 ± 3.0 years) were enrolled in the study. Eleven subjects (14%) required general anesthesia to complete the MRI examination despite participating in the simulation. In the overall cohort, mYPAS scores improved after simulation from 31 ± 11 to 27 ± 9 (95% confidence interval of difference, -6, -2; P < .001 by paired t test). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found that presimulation mYPAS had good utility for predicting anesthesia requirement for MRI completion (area under the curve = 0.81). A presimulation mYPAS score > 33 predicted need for anesthesia with 82% sensitivity and 78% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The mYPAS is a quick screening tool to identify pediatric patients who could benefit from simulation training by being able to complete an MRI examination without anesthesia.

Identification of quality improvement areas in pediatric MRI from analysis of patient safety reports

BACKGROUND

Analysis of safety reports has been utilized to guide practice improvement efforts in adult magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Data specific to pediatric MRI could help target areas of improvement in this population.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of safety reports in pediatric MRI and to determine associated risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a retrospective HIPAA-compliant, institutional review board-approved study, a single-institution Radiology Information System was queried to identify MRI studies performed in pediatric patients (0-18 years old) from 1/1/2010 to 12/31/2015. The safety report database was queried for events matching the same demographic and dates. Data on patient age, gender, location (inpatient, outpatient, emergency room [ER]), and the use of sedation/general anesthesia were recorded. Safety reports were grouped into categories based on the cause and their severity. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize continuous variables. Chi-square analyses were performed for univariate determination of statistical significance of variables associated with safety report rates. A multivariate logistic regression was used to control for possible confounding effects.

RESULTS

A total of 16,749 pediatric MRI studies and 88 safety reports were analyzed, yielding a rate of 0.52%. There were significant differences in the rate of safety reports between patients younger than 6 years (0.89%) and those older (0.41%) (P<0.01), sedated (0.8%) and awake children (0.45%) (P<0.01), and inpatients (1.1%) and outpatients (0.4%) (P<0.01). The use of sedation/general anesthesia is an independent risk factor for a safety report (P=0.02). The most common causes for safety reports were service coordination (34%), drug reactions (19%), and diagnostic test and ordering errors (11%).

CONCLUSION

The overall rate of safety reports in pediatric MRI is 0.52%. Interventions should focus on vulnerable populations, such as younger patients, those requiring sedation, and those in need of acute medical attention.

Parent perspectives and preferences for strategies regarding nonsedated MRI scans in a pediatric oncology population

PURPOSE

Children with cancer frequently require MRI scans for clinical purposes. Sedation with general anesthesia (GA) is often used to promote compliance, reduce motion, and alleviate anxiety. The use of GA for MRI scans is costly in terms of time, personnel, and medications. In addition, prominent risks are associated with anesthesia exposure in patients with complex medical conditions. Successful behavioral interventions have been implemented in clinical research settings to promote scan success and compliance. To our knowledge, parent/caregiver acceptability of behavioral interventions to promote nonsedated MRI has not been systematically investigated in a medically complex population. As a first step toward developing a protocol-based intervention to promote nonsedated scanning, we conducted a survey to explore parental perspectives regarding acceptability of nonsedated scanning and to gain information regarding preference for specific behavioral interventions to facilitate nonsedated MRI exams.

METHODS

Parents or guardians of 101 patients diagnosed with childhood cancer participated in a semi-structured survey via telephone. The sample was stratified by age group (8-12 years; 13-18 years), gender, and diagnosis (solid tumor (ST), brain tumor (BT), and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)).

RESULTS

The majority of parents indicated that nonsedated MRI scans would be acceptable. Reduced anesthesia exposure was the most frequently identified benefit, followed by decreased irritability post-MRI scan, and shorter appointment time. Challenges included fear of movement and noise during scans and change in routine, with parents of younger children and those with a history of sedated exams identifying more challenges. Behavioral intervention preference differed by patient age and gender; however, education was ranked as most preferred overall.

CONCLUSION

Parents of children treated for cancer consider behavior interventions to promote nonsedated scanning as acceptable. Patient characteristics should be considered when tailoring behavioral interventions. Results can inform future studies of behavioral interventions to promote nonsedated MRI scans. Future research should also investigate the risks associated with failed exams, both in terms of patient medical care and cost effectiveness.

Transforming the Pediatric Experience: The Story of Child Life

During the past century, child life programming has evolved into a standard of care for children experiencing life's most challenging events. From pediatric outpatient clinics and dentists' offices to funeral homes and courtrooms, children are now being provided access to professionals that relieve the anxiety and fear associated with emotional and physical pain. Recognized by the American Academy of Pediatrics, child life specialists focus on the "strengths and sense of well-being of children while promoting their optimal development and minimizing the adverse effects of children's experiences in health care or other potentially stressful settings." Armed with a strong background in child development, child life specialists provide therapeutic play experiences and developmentally appropriate language to promote normalcy within an unknown and potentially stressful environment, procedural education and emotional support, coping and pain management techniques, and grief and bereavement support. Child life programming plays an integral role in addressing the psychosocial concerns across the health care continuum and should be included in all general pediatric provider settings as a standard of quality care for young patients. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(9):e345-e351.].

Using Quality Improvement Methods to Improve Patient Experience

Patient experience is an important component of the overall medical encounter. This paper explores how patient experience is measured and its role in radiology, including its impact on clinical outcomes and reimbursement. Although typically applied to safety and clinical outcomes, quality improvement methodology can also be used to drive improvement efforts centered on patient experience. Applying an established framework for patient-centered care to radiology, this paper provides a number of examples of projects that are likely to yield significant improvement in patient satisfaction measures.

Impact of Child Life Services on Children and Families Admitted to Start the Ketogenic Diet

Traditionally the ketogenic diet is started as an inpatient admission to the hospital. Starting in January 2015, child life services were made formally available during ketogenic diet admissions to help families cope. One-page surveys were then provided to 15 parents on the day of discharge and again after 3 months. Every family believed that the child life services were helpful. Children who were developmentally appropriate/mildly delayed had higher parent-reported anxiety scores than those who were moderate to severely delayed (4.4 vs 1.0, P = .02). At 3 months, child life services were deemed very helpful for the parents (mean score: 8.9, range: 5-10), and were more helpful for the parent than the child (mean 6.2, range 1-10, P = .047). One of the most helpful services was a prior phone call to parents 1 week prior. In this small pilot study, child life involvement during the start of the ketogenic diet was highly useful.

Differences in Pediatric Non-Interventional Radiology Procedural Sedation Practices and Adverse Events by Registered Nurses and Physicians

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine differences in sedation-related adverse events according to the type of provider monitoring and delivering sedation.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective, cross-sectional, correlational design using secondary data from the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium database was used for this study.

RESULTS

A sample of 36,352 cases (0-14 years of age) sedated and monitored for diagnostic radiology procedures by three types of providers (registered nurses [RNs] alone, physicians (MDs) alone, or registered nurse + physician [RN+MD sedation teams]) were compared. Patients sedated by RNs alone or MDs alone had lower odds of unanticipated adverse events (odds ratios 0.46 and 0.53, respectively; p<0.0001) compared with RN+MD sedation provider teams.

CONCLUSIONS

Team skills may be an important competency for RN+MD sedation teams in the non-interventional radiology setting.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This study can inform clinicians, administrators, and quality-improvement managers of the differences in adverse event outcomes of pediatric radiology procedures when RN+MD teams provide sedation compared with RNs or MDs alone.

Advanced imaging techniques in pediatric body MRI

While there are many challenges specific to pediatric abdomino-pelvic MRI, many recent advances are addressing these challenges. It is therefore essential for radiologists to be familiar with the latest advances in MR imaging. Laudable efforts have also recently been implemented in many centers to improve the overall experience of pediatric patients, including the use of dedicated radiology child life specialists, MRI video goggles, and improved MR suite environments. These efforts have allowed a larger number of children to be scanned while awake, with fewer studies being done under sedation or anesthesia; this has resulted in additional challenges from patient motion and difficulties with breath-holding and tolerating longer scan times. In this review, we highlight common challenges faced in imaging the pediatric abdomen and pelvis and discuss the application of the newest techniques to address these challenges. Additionally, we highlight the newest advances in quantified imaging techniques, specifically in MR liver iron quantification. The techniques described in this review are all commercially available and can be readily implemented.