by Rachel Franklin
Child Life Specialist

Are you excited about X-Rays, merry over MRIs, and captivated by CTs? While these types of scans and overall experiences may be perceived as non-threatening for some children, for others, the strangeness and newness of certain aspects of their visit to a Radiology department can leave them feeling anxious or fearful. In Le Bonheur Children's Radiology department, our team of radiologists, nurses, technicians, anesthesiologists, and child life specialists are here to help you and your child through your experience with us.

Each day, infants, children, and teens, as well as their family members visit us for special procedures and scans. We understand that some experiences in Radiology may be confusing to children and pose specific challenges. As your child’s caregiver, you know your child best. You can help your child through the first part of his healthcare experience—the time preceding your visit. Before arriving, there are several helpful strategies you can use to help promote your child's comfort for his or her upcoming experience.

Before arriving:

• Have an open, honest, and simple conversation. Being honest in communication with your child helps promote several positive goals. When you talk with your child about the basic purpose and details of her upcoming procedure, it will help her develop a sense of understanding, predictability, and control. 
• Use familiar, non-threatening language. Our MRI scanner can be called a tall donut-shaped camera. The sounds it makes can be described as noise like a pair of clunky boots bumping around in a dryer, drummers drumming, and horns beeping. An IV can be called a hospital straw to help the body receive important medicines. Receiving sedation can be described as taking a “hospital nap” after which a child will get to wake up with a trusted caregiver present. 
• Include the basic purpose. Children benefit from knowing the basic purpose of scans or procedures. A basic explanation starting with "this will help the doctors better understand how to help with your (mention recent symptom)” may be a great first step. As children hear honest information from you, you create an opportunity for them to ask questions and develop greater understanding. This knowledge may help reduce her fears of the unknown or imagined aspects of the healthcare visit and will support your child’s overall sense of trust with you and the world around her. 
• Help build in normalizing connections. Building in positive components to your child's upcoming Radiology visit can promote your child's sense of comfort before, during, and after. For example, in talking with your child before the visit, you may want to connect the child's experience of getting his picture taken at home with getting his picture taken in Radiology. Some children like hearing that, although our camera is taller than a regular camera, getting your picture taken by it is similar in that it is important to hold very still. Many children also wonder if any part of the camera will cause pain. Just like a camera at home, it just takes a picture, so no need to worry about anything on the camera causing an ‘ouchie’ or sensation of pain.
• Help build in comforting components. Children may wonder but do not know how to ask if you will be present with them during their visit. Basic reassurance of your presence may be most comforting type of support for your child. Bringing a favorite snuggly stuffed animal or game to enjoy while waiting can also help your child feel more at ease. Helping them look for non-threatening items in the environment may also promote a sense of relaxation and control in an environment that includes unfamiliar people and equipment. Conversations about something fun your child can look forward to following your visit can also help her trust that when the purpose of the visit is completed. 

These simple ideas are just a few strategies you can use to help you and your child cope more effectively. On the day of your visit to our Radiology department, know that our team is available to help you and your child with the next steps. You can request the assistance of our child life specialists to assist you on the day of your visit. We are here to help you understand what you will experience during your visit, what to prepare for, and how to cope with upcoming procedures through teaching, distracting, empowering, playing, and promoting calm and comfort. For more information about the range of support and interventions available to you from our Radiology child life specialists, look for future posts.