The value of Child Life Specialists (CLS) can not be overstated. Rudder et al. paper “Effects of an MRI Try Without program on patient access” examined a program to reduce the use of sedation for MRI it is clear that with the proper intervention a better patient experience is possible without sacrificing on quality of images or repeating an examination. Armed with resources like audiovisual equipment, mock scanners, movies, and distraction toys, CLS were able to get “good” or ” very good” quality images from over 85% of participants (n=134). Furthermore, caregivers states they were highly satisfied with services provided. To further the argument for programs and tools aimed to reduce sedation, the healthcare economic match as well. The program “greatly reduced the amount of time patients had to wait to get an MRI” due to increased throughput. The reduction in anesthesia reduced procedure time and assisted in the reduction of scheduling backlogs. In turn, this frees up more time for anesthesia appointments for those that really need them. Rudder cited that a reduction in 200-400 sedations a year would amount to a cost saving of $500k-$1.5m.
So why aren’t these programs implemented in every hospital, ambulatory center, or research institute?
I’ve worked with programs at Boston Children’s and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, seemingly there needs to be substantial buy-in from management and staff (one of the videos in parent’s resources is from Children’s Mercy Kansas City). Patient satisfaction needs to be a priority in order to justify the human resources to meet the of families. Boston Children’s has seen great success but is this a population bias? Are Medicaid patients just as likely to benefit? With reimbursements rates decreasing, where is institutional incentive?
Answers to these problems will lead to the greater question but without a doubt these interventions can assist in the reduction in sedations. We want Ready Teddy to be another tool in the toolbox. Child Life Specialists are amazing, if any reader out there is interested in a collaboration we would love to work with you. The answers to these questions are out there and we will solve them so every child gets the opportunity to try without.
Rudder BS, Easley SJ, Robinson AL, Noel-MacDonnell JR, Nielsen DB. Effects of an MRI Try Without program on patient access. Pediatric radiology. 2019;49(13):1712-1717. doi:10.1007/s00247-019-04487-1