RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

New Simulation Care Pathway for Paediatric MRI Preparation

This study explores a new method to help young children (aged 3 to 6) have an MRI scan without needing to be put to sleep. MRI scans are important but can be noisy and require staying very still, which is hard for children. Currently, many children need anaesthesia, leading to long waiting lists. Researchers at Nantes University Hospital have developed a special 'immersive' preparation programme. This programme uses a marine-themed experience to help children practice staying still and get used to the sounds and enclosed space of an MRI. The goal is to see if this fun preparation helps more children complete their MRI successfully without anaesthesia, making the process smoother for families and reducing waiting times.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Nantes University Hospital

Enrolment target

114

Start

11 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

15 Aug 2028

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is this study about?

Imagine needing an important scan called an MRI for your child. MRI scans are very clever and use magnets to see inside the body without X-rays, making them safe for children. However, they can be quite loud, and your child needs to lie very still in a small tunnel for a while. This can be tricky for young children, and often, they need medicine to help them stay calm or even go to sleep (anaesthesia).

If a child needs medicine to help them stay still for an MRI, it means waiting longer for an appointment because special staff are needed. This can be a stressful time for parents waiting for answers about their child's health. Currently, waiting times can be several months long, which is difficult for everyone involved.

Researchers in France are trying a new approach to make MRI scans easier for children aged 3 to 6. They've created a fun, immersive programme, like a game, that helps children practice what it's like to have an MRI. This programme uses a marine theme and lets children get used to the sounds, the feeling of being in a tunnel, and the need to stay still. The main aim is to find out if this special preparation helps children have their MRI without needing medicine to make them sleepy, which would mean shorter waiting times and a less stressful experience for families.

Key takeaways

A new preparation helps young children for MRI scans.
Aims to reduce the need for anaesthesia during MRI.
Could shorten long waiting times for MRI appointments.
Uses a fun, immersive experience to prepare children.
Focuses on children aged 3 to 6 having their first MRI.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children between 3 and 6 years old (36 to 72 months) who are scheduled to have an MRI scan for the very first time. Their parents or guardians must agree for them to take part.

However, some children won't be able to join. This includes children who are very scared of the idea, those with certain learning difficulties or behavioural challenges, or if the child or their parents don't understand French.

Also, children needing an MRI to check a cochlear implant won't be eligible. It's important that all participants are covered by the social security system.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 3 and 6 years (36-72 months)?
Is this your child's very first MRI scan?
Do you and your child understand French?
Does your child not have significant learning or behavioural difficulties?
Is your child not completely against joining this experience?
Is your family covered by the social security system?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If your child takes part in this study, they will go through a special preparation programme at Nantes University Hospital. This programme involves a fun, immersive experience with four different activities, themed around the marine world, designed to help them get used to the MRI process. This preparation will happen during a dedicated session, meaning you'll visit the hospital for this specific training programme. After completing the preparation, your child will then have their MRI scan. The study aims to see if this preparation helps them complete the MRI without needing medicine to make them sleepy. You will also be asked to answer some simple questions about your child's feelings. This program will be offered monthly for half a day.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part could mean your child has a less stressful MRI experience, potentially avoiding the need for anaesthesia and reducing waiting times. The immersive programme is designed to be fun and reassuring. There are no medical risks associated with the preparation itself, as it's a practice session. However, as with any study, you are always free to change your mind and withdraw your child at any point without it affecting their care.

Locations (1)

CHU Nantes
Verified postcode
Nantes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures inside the body. It's a safe way to check for many health conditions.

Why is it hard for children to have an MRI?

MRI scans can be noisy, and children need to stay very still in an enclosed space for a long time, which can be difficult and scary for them.

What is the new preparation programme?

It's a fun, marine-themed experience designed to help children aged 3-6 practice staying still and get used to the sights and sounds of an MRI before their actual scan.

What is the main goal of this study?

The study hopes to find out if this special preparation helps more children complete their MRI successfully without needing to be put to sleep, reducing stress and waiting times.

Will my child still need anaesthesia if the preparation doesn't work?

If the preparation isn't enough, doctors will still consider other options, like gentle sedation or anaesthesia, to ensure your child gets the scan they need.

How to find out more

Sponsor Department

bp-prom-regl@chu-nantes.fr 02 53 48 28 35 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.