{
  "abstract": "Objectives The aim of this audit was to demonstrate that MRI scans with a health play specialist (HPS) can reduce waitlists and costs, minimising the need for MRI scans under GA which can pose risks to children. 1 The role of HPS has resulted in fewer children having traumatic experiences in hospital related to medical procedures.2 Reducing MRI waitlists is important due to the backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic, with some patients waiting over a year for their scan.3 Overall, MRI scans with a HPS can be safer, effective, and more valuable for patients.Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot scheme of HPS in MRI to reduce MRI waitlists lower costs and improve patient outcomes.Methods A database was created to identify patients on the GA MRI waitlist. Parents were contacted to assess their child’s suitability for an awake MRI scan. Preparation included individualised techniques such as therapeutic play using a Lego MRI scanner, mock MRI sounds on an iPad and a storybook featuring a relatable character. Patients were able to choose media to watch during the scan and were given headphones to reduce noise. Parents/carers were allowed in the room with the patient and sometimes, HPS also stayed in the room to help with coping strategies. After the scan, HPS debriefed with families and feedback was collected through a feedback form.Results 74 out of 113 families agreed to attempt the awake MRI. Out of these, 61 patients (82%) had a successful scan with HPS ( figure 1). The cost saving per MRI scan with HPS compared to GA was £277.5, excluding equipment costs. A broader analysis at the same hospital showed an overall cost-saving of £818.94. Since the introduction of the pilot with just 3-4 scans a week, the waitlist for MRI scans reduced from 100 to 40 patients (60%). Feedback from families was extremely positive about HPS support, with all families agreeing that patients felt less anxious about the scan.Abstract 7758 Figure 1MRI with play specialist successConclusion Most MRI scans with HPS were successful which shows that it carries many benefits such as reduced patient anxieties, MRI waitlists and costs. The main recommendation would be a permanent play specialist role in MRI, potentially expanding to other imaging. The main challenge with this would be initially funding this role, however this audit provides compelling evidence for implementation and financial benefits overall.References Paediatric MRI under sedation: Is it necessary? what is the evidence for the alternatives? Pediatric Radiology, Edwards AD, Arthurs OJ, 2011 Jun 2016Healthy Play, better coping: The importance of play for the development of children in health and disease. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, Nijhof SL, Vinkers CH, van Geelen SM, Duijff SN, Achterberg EJM, van der Net J, et al. Dec 2018Recommendations to Sustain Diagnostic Imaging Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Dobranowski J, Wood R, 2020",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry"
      ],
      "name": "Zoya Faisal"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "NHS"
      ],
      "name": "Joanne Dodge"
    }
  ],
  "title": "7758 Reducing GA MRI waitlists and costs while improving patient outcomes through the role of health play specialists in paediatric MRI",
  "uid": "e5f6a723-3fb0-5daa-a239-88223b9f13dd"
}