Disney and Philips Collaborate on Themed MRI Scanners to Ease Children’s Medical Procedures
Disney and Philips have partnered to introduce themed MRI scanners designed to create a more comforting environment for children undergoing medical imaging. The initiative, launched this week in the U.S., U.K., and select other countries, integrates Disney stories and characters into Philips’ Ambient Experience for MRI technology, aiming to reduce stress and improve the overall experience for young patients.
A New Approach to Pediatric MRI Scans
MRI scans are often challenging for children due to the loud noises, confined spaces, and the need to remain still for up to 40 minutes. These factors can lead to anxiety, movement during the procedure, and, in some cases, the need for additional scans or sedation. The new themed scanners seek to address these challenges by transforming the MRI environment into an immersive, story-driven experience.
The technology, part of Philips’ Ambient Experience for MRI, uses Disney-themed visuals and audio to distract and comfort children. This collaboration marks a significant step in leveraging storytelling to ease medical procedures for young patients.
Study Shows Promising Results
A study conducted at six European hospitals demonstrated the effectiveness of the themed MRI environment. The research found that children aged 6 to 10 who underwent scans in the Disney-themed settings experienced reduced stress levels compared to those in traditional MRI rooms. The study reported a 63% decrease in scan interruptions, highlighting the potential of the technology to improve procedural efficiency.
“At Disney, we believe stories have the power to bring comfort and emotional connection to children and families,” said Lisa Haines, SVP for corporate social responsibility at The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud to collaborate with Philips to extend that impact into MRI rooms in a meaningful way—using our beloved stories and characters to help provide moments of escape, normalcy, and reassurance during what can be an intimidating experience for kids in hospitals.”
Global Expansion of the Technology
Medical facilities with eligible MRI machines across 87 countries are expected to adopt the technology in the coming years. The partnership aims to make the MRI process less daunting for children worldwide, with a focus on creating a sense of normalcy and familiarity during medical visits.
Philips’ chief medical officer, Atul Gupta, emphasized the benefits of the approach: “By bringing Disney stories into the MRI environment, we are helping create a setting where children can feel more at ease and remain still during scans. Reducing stress can improve the experience for young patients and their families, while helping care teams deliver efficient, high-quality imaging so they can care for more children each day, supporting better care for more people.”
Impact on Pediatric Healthcare
The initiative underscores a growing trend of integrating entertainment and technology to enhance patient care. By combining Disney’s storytelling expertise with Philips’ medical innovations, the project highlights the potential for cross-industry collaborations to address complex healthcare challenges.
As the technology expands, healthcare providers and families alike are optimistic about its ability to transform the MRI experience for children, making it less stressful and more manageable for patients