Logan Keeley (12), from Lincoln, recently underwent a successful MRI scan at Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), utilising a novel play therapy method. This approach involves a mini ‘kitten’ scanner and a digital app, accessible from home, which has transformed the diagnostic process for children, eliminating the need for general anaesthetic and hospital stays.
Logan, who is profoundly deaf and autistic, was prepared for his scan by play leader Sandy Crook and the MRI team. His mother, Becky, expressed relief that Logan would not require another general anaesthetic. "It’s a big relief to know that Logan won’t have to undergo another general anaesthetic and that I won’t have to go through signing that piece of paper to put him to sleep again," she stated. "It’s also a relief that this service exists and we don’t feel like we’re having to go through this on our own. Sandy is there to help keep him calm, busy and relaxed. It’s nice to know that he has someone there who understands what he wants and needs."
The Philips ‘kitten’ scanner and app, first introduced at Grantham and District Hospital in 2023, have proven highly successful. Two additional scanners have since been installed at Lincoln and Skegness CDCs, funded by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity. Prior to 2023, general anaesthetics were common for paediatric MRI scans. Now, 96% of children using the play therapy service complete their scans successfully without sedation during outpatient appointments.
This initiative has also reduced waiting times for children requiring scans with general anaesthetic from approximately six months to two weeks. Sandy, who has been involved since the beginning, explained the benefits: "An MRI scan can feel a little intimidating, especially to our youngest patients, as the scanner is large and very loud while the scan is taking place. By dedicating some time to helping them to adjust beforehand, by watching some videos, talking about what’s going to happen, playing with the app and using the kitten scanner if they want to, we know that we can make them feel more at ease and ready for our MRI radiographers to capture the images that they need."
"The results of this service have been fantastic and we’re incredibly proud to say that we’ve now helped 500 children in Lincolnshire. Not having an anaesthetic is much better for the children, and there are wider benefits to our health system by avoiding unnecessary hospital stays and the costs associated with that care," Sandy added. Although Logan did not use the ‘kitten’ scanner, he engaged with the interactive app with Sandy's support. Following his scan, Logan commented, "I’ve had scans before and this one is probably the best one I’ve ever had. I enjoyed being able to watch a movie while I was having it."
