Royal Philips and The Walt Disney Company have announced a global collaboration to bring Disney characters and storytelling into MRI suites, with the aim of making scans less intimidating for children undergoing diagnostic imaging.
The initiative will see Disney-themed content incorporated into Philips’ Ambient Experience for MRI platform at healthcare facilities across 87 countries.
The immersive environment combines lighting, sound and visual elements to help children feel more comfortable during procedures that often require them to remain still for extended periods.
MRI scans can be challenging for young patients due to the unfamiliar surroundings, loud noises and the need to remain motionless for up to 40 minutes.
Philips said anxiety during scans can contribute to longer procedures, repeat imaging and, in some cases, the need for sedation.
The companies pointed to findings from a multi-centre study involving six European hospitals, which found that stress levels among children aged six to 10 fell by 43% following scans conducted using Disney-themed Ambient Experience settings.
The research also reported a 63% reduction in scan pauses compared with standard procedures.
Children and families will be able to choose from a range of Disney franchises, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Marvel superheroes, Star Wars characters and Disney Princesses.
Disney has provided the artwork and imagery for the programme as part of its wider charitable work supporting children’s hospitals worldwide.
The Disney themes are available exclusively through Philips Ambient Experience for MRI.
Early adopters include Rady Children's Health and Calderdale Royal Hospital, where the technology is already being used with paediatric patients.
Calderdale Royal Hospital was the first hospital within the NHS to introduce the immersive experience.
Over 100 NHS sites with the Philips MRI scanner will now be eligible to incorporate the Disney content, at no extra cost to the NHS.
“We’re proud to collaborate with Philips to extend [an] 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,” said Lisa Haines, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at The Walt Disney Company.
“Reducing stress can improve the experience for young patients and their families, while helping care teams deliver efficient, high-quality imaging,” said Dr Atul Gupta, Chief Medical Officer of diagnosis and treatment at Philips.