PhD Scientific Days 2025

Poster Session III. - X: Conservative Medicine

The Effects of a Virtual Reality-based Preparation on Children Undergoing MRI Examination -Preliminary Analysis

Name of the presenter

Papik Flóra

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Semmelweis University Pediatric Center Tűzoltó Street Department

Authors

Flóra Papik¹, Sándor Erdős, MD.¹, Blanka Linda Péterfia¹, Nóra Veronika Molnár¹, Klára Horváth, MD.¹

1: Semmelweis University Pediatric Center Tűzoltó Street Department

Text of the abstract

Introduction
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be a stressful and fear-inducing experience for children, often requiring general anaesthesia to ensure image quality. Prior research suggests that appropriate preparation can lower stress levels and reduce the need for anaesthesia. Virtual reality (VR), offering a 360-degree immersive experience, may be a promising tool in this context.
Aims
To investigate the anxiety- and fear-reducing, mood-enhancing, and familiarity-increasing effects of a self-developed VR-based preparation tool.
Methods
In this randomized controlled study, 121 children aged 4–16 years (mean age: 5.59±2.06) scheduled for MRI under general anaesthesia were assigned to one of three groups. In the VR group, participants explored a virtual MRI environment, then took part in an acceptance and commitment therapy-based experience. In the booklet group, children received an illustrated educational brochure. The control group received standard care. Anxiety, fear, mood, and familiarity were assessed using visual analogue scales at three time points: before the intervention (T0), after the intervention (T1), and post-MRI (T2). Data were analysed using two-way repeated measures ANOVA.
Results
A significant main effect of time was found for anxiety (p=0.034), with post-hoc tests revealing a decrease between T0 and T1 (p=0.039, 5437±407 vs. 6755±414). The VR group showed a greater anxiety reduction than the control group (p=0.024, 7274±493 vs. 5429±466). Familiarity showed both a significant main effect of time (p=0.001) and interaction effect between time and condition (p=0.006). VR significantly increased familiarity at T1 (p=0.020, 78.5±7.50 vs. 67.9±7.11), while the booklet group showed a greater effect at T2 (p=0.003, 78.3±7.60 vs. 60.9±7.11), both compared to controls. Time effects were also significant between T0–T1 (p<0.001, 58.2±4.27 vs. 70.9±4.27) and T0–T2 (p=0.003, 58.2±4.27 vs. 69.2±4.27). No significant differences were observed in mood or fear.
Conclusion
VR-based preparation may effectively reduce anxiety and enhance familiarity with MRI procedures in children.
Funding
No external funding.