Open MRI Scans at Croydon

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Croydon MRI Centre
Croydon University Hospital
London Road
Thornton Heath
Croydon
CR7 7YE
Tel. 0845 805 5174

The Holistic Approach

MRI Scans can cause severe anxiety amongst those suffering from claustrophobia. Even amongst the general population it has been reported that as many as 25% of patients suffer moderate to severe anxiety whilst undergoing an MRI Scan. At Croydon MRI scanning centre we have adopted a holistic approach that involves looking at both the scanning environment and the psychology of the patient. This is something we take very seriously, particularly as many of our patients have already unsuccessfully tried to have MRI Scans in traditional scanners, and thus have preconceptions that may be hard to shift!

The environment

The MRI Centre staff played a key role in designing the new scanning building, a design that encompassed ergonomic patient pathways and a feng shui approach to the decoration and design, such as use of calming colours, attractive stencils in the scanning rooms and use of subtle, calming music throughout patient reception, waiting area and scanning room. This was all done with great care to try and make the process as calm as possible for patients, avoiding triggering their anxieties.

Communication

We have used the concept of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) as an approach to effectively communicate with the patient, and manage any concerns they may have. The 4 principles of NLP are:

Rapport techniques involve the following:

Positive affirmations. Talking positively is empowering for the patient
Calm confidence. Staff are taught the importance of how they need to display their experience and professionalism to the patient. Calm assertiveness is key to gaining the trust and respect of the patient, to making them feel comfortable with their procedure
Empathy is very important, but it is important that the patient shouldn’t dwell on their emotions as this can be a trigger for anxiety.

Representational systems. This is an NLP model that examines the way in which different people process information. Some people for example process information in a visual way, whilst others are much more sensitive to auditory stimuli. We use the acronym VAKOG to review this area: Visual , auditory, kinaesthic (feeling and touch), olfactory and gustatory (taste).

Vision. We use calming colours, paintings and stencils on the walls to promote a good state of mind in the patient. Alternatively we offer gel masks for patients who find that the vision aspect can be detrimental
Auditory. The patient preparation area is just outside the scanner door which helps patients experience the noise of the scanner prior to their scan
Touch. Allowing a friend/partner to go into the scanner room with the patient can be very calming
Smell. Cedar aroma is used in the preparation area and lavender is used in the scanning room; these are used in aromatherapy to promote a sense of healing and treat anxiety respectively

Anchoring. In NLP, anchors are stimuli that generate a particular state of mind

We use the different sensory stimuli detailed in Representational systems (see above) to help different patients get into a calm frame of mind for their scan.

Beliefs. Some patients have limiting beliefs. We try to address this by using the following method to help patients understand that they are not the only ones that feel this way. Many of our previously anxious patients leave the scanner feeling empowered, and we try to use this to help other patients by doing the following:

Testimonials on our website
A testimonial book at the centre
These testimonials are also incredibly useful to us in our continuing efforts to improve all aspects of our service

We have achieved great success in scanning patients who otherwise won’t be scanned, and we are continually looking at ways of improving our service.

InHealth Mayday

Open MRI Scans at Croydon

Contact Us

The Holistic Approach

The environment

Communication