Lego MRI Scanner Reduces Child Anxiety
- In September 2023, just two months after his mother successfully battled breast cancer, 14-year-old Sam Lane began experiencing illness.
- During a particularly difficult period, intubated and unable to walk, a nurse offered Sam a unique possibility: to help build a Lego MRI scanner set for fellow patients...
- Sam's mother, Christina Lane, was deeply impressed by the detail and thoughtfulness of the Lego set.
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Lego MRI Scanner Sets Help Millions of Children Cope with Medical Procedures
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The Story of Sam and the Lego MRI Scanner
In September 2023, just two months after his mother successfully battled breast cancer, 14-year-old Sam Lane began experiencing illness. After several tests, he received a diagnosis of a rare brain and spine cancer.
During a particularly difficult period, intubated and unable to walk, a nurse offered Sam a unique possibility: to help build a Lego MRI scanner set for fellow patients at Boston Children’s Hospital.The goal was to help other children learn about the procedure through play.
Sam’s mother, Christina Lane, was deeply impressed by the detail and thoughtfulness of the Lego set. “I remember sitting there saying to him, ‘Sammy, why don’t you take a break? You’ve been working at that straight for some time,'” christina Lane said. ”And he just didn’t even look at me and was like, ‘Nope, this is vital… I need to help other kids.'”
How the Lego MRI Scanner Works
Lego’s MRI scanner sets are designed to realistically mimic the MRI experience. They include a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, staff figures, and medical instruments.The miniature MRI machine table moves back and forth, replicating the motion of a real procedure.
Impact and Research Findings
As of Monday, August 26, 2024, Lego announced that over 1 million children globally have used the sets to prepare for medical procedures. New research conducted by Lego reveals significant benefits:
- 96% of healthcare professionals report that the Lego MRI scanner model helps reduce children’s anxiety.
- 46% of healthcare professionals have observed a reduced need for sedation after children played with the set.
Why MRIs Can Be Frightening for Children
MRIs, while valuable diagnostic tools that don’t involve radiation, can be intimidating for children. The bright lights,loud noises,and the requirement to remain perfectly still frequently enough cause fear and anxiety,