Lego models and games ease MRI fears for kids in China's hospital
The model accurately replicates the MRI examination setting, including the waiting room, preparation room, operation room and MRI scanner.
BEIJING - The Beijing Children's Hospital has introduced a creative way to help young patients prepare for the lengthy and often stressful magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan by using a Lego MRI scanner model to simulate the entire process, making it fun and less intimidating for children.
The model accurately replicates the MRI examination setting, including the waiting room, preparation room, operation room and MRI scanner. Guided by hospital staff, young patients can learn about the process, with the setup featuring minifigures representing the patient, their family, and medical professionals.
Taking an MRI examination, which usually involves about half an hour's scan and disturbing noises, can be a challenging and intimidating experience for many children.
"Well, it seems that the MRI test is not that scary. It's just like a game, isn't it?" said a girl surnamed Liu, who was waiting to take her first MRI examination.
A charity initiative by the global toy brand Lego Group and the domestic child philanthropy group Ai You Foundation, the Lego MRI Scanner program donates LEGO MRI scanner model kits with training materials to hospitals across China.
So far, over 1,600 sets of Lego MRI scanner models have been donated to 108 hospitals in 67 cities and counties across the country, according to Yolanda Gu, director of social responsibility of LEGO China.
In addition to Lego models, Beijing Children's Hospital has introduced a mobile simulation game in its surgical oncology department. This game allows young patients to familiarize themselves with the treatment steps and environment through role-play involving a rainbow bear character.
According to Ma Wei, director of the social work department of Beijing Children's Hospital, these toys help relieve the anxiety of young patients and also provide stress relief for adults, including parents and doctors.
Many hospitals across China have partnered with charity organizations and volunteer groups to make hospital visits and stays for children less stressful.
Ai You Foundation launched a humanistic medical service project for children, which had worked with 16 hospitals in 13 cities as of the end of 2023 to help children navigate the treatment process through games and role-playing activities, according to Luan Yibin, executive secretary-general of the charity foundation.
In the suburban district of Tongzhou in eastern Beijing, the children's hospital affiliated with the Capital Institute of Pediatrics is planning to build a new branch with a strong emphasis on joy and playfulness. It will feature animal-themed paintings and sculptures, as well as interactive facilities and immersive spaces, to create a playful and welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a playground.
"For children, the hospital should be like a playground, not only in design but also in services," said Zhang Guojun, secretary of the Party committee of Beijing Children's Hospital. - XINHUA
