Department of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, UK.
Department of Allied Health Professions, Midwifery and Social Work, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, UK.
Radiography (Lond). 2023 Oct;29(6):1108-1114. doi: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.09.008. Epub 2023 Sep 27.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a common imaging modality used to diagnose disease and monitor treatment. However, some patients cannot complete their MRI examination as a result of claustrophobia. The recent developments in the MRI scanner design may have reduced the incidence of claustrophobia in MRI. This study aimed to explore the claustrophobic patients' experience to better understand how to support them.
A qualitative descriptive approach using focus groups was deemed appropriate for the study. The research was advertised in a print newspaper and on social media platforms for eligible participants to contact the researcher. Six claustrophobic patients were recruited to the focus group meeting. The discussion was audio recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to analyse the data into code and categories.
Four themes emerged from the data analysis, which included examination preparation, information provision, coping mechanisms and MR scanner design. Participants reported that the confined space in the MRI scanner bore is responsible for their anxiety during MRI. However, the majority of the participants believe that they would be able to complete the examination if, in advance of their scan, they were shown the MRI scanner and what they would be required to do.
Several coping mechanisms were shared by the participants on how they were able to complete their MRI examination despite their claustrophobia. MRI radiographers should endeavour to use these mechanisms to support their patients in practice. Also, the findings emphasise the importance of virtual reality and clear communication with patients in preparing them for their MRI examinations.
The findings of this study may be used to enhance claustrophobic patients' experience in MRI. It also identified those aspects of the MRI examination that matter most to patients with claustrophobia in order to provide a suitable intervention to support these patients.
磁共振成像（MRI）是一种常用的成像方式，用于诊断疾病和监测治疗。然而，由于幽闭恐惧症，有些患者无法完成 MRI 检查。MRI 扫描仪设计的最新进展可能降低了 MRI 中的幽闭恐惧症发生率。本研究旨在探索幽闭恐惧症患者的体验，以更好地了解如何为他们提供支持。
使用焦点小组的定性描述方法被认为适合这项研究。研究在一份印刷报纸和社交媒体平台上发布广告，让合格的参与者联系研究人员。招募了六名幽闭恐惧症患者参加焦点小组会议。讨论内容被录音并转录。内容分析被用来将数据分析为代码和类别。
数据分析中出现了四个主题，包括检查准备、信息提供、应对机制和磁共振扫描仪设计。参与者报告说，MRI 扫描仪的封闭空间是他们在 MRI 期间焦虑的原因。然而，大多数参与者认为，如果在扫描前向他们展示 MRI 扫描仪以及他们需要做什么，他们就能够完成检查。
参与者分享了一些应对机制，说明他们是如何克服幽闭恐惧症完成 MRI 检查的。MRI 放射技师应努力在实践中使用这些机制来支持他们的患者。此外，这些发现强调了虚拟现实和与患者清晰沟通在为他们的 MRI 检查做准备方面的重要性。
本研究的结果可用于改善幽闭恐惧症患者的 MRI 体验。它还确定了对幽闭恐惧症患者最重要的 MRI 检查方面，以便为这些患者提供适当的干预措施。
