Review of claustrophobia incidence in MRI: A service evaluation of current rates across a multi-centre service.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic Resonance Imaging remains an anxious experience for many, often exhibiting as fear of enclosed spaces. A useful metric to assess its prevalence and impact in practice is premature termination due to claustrophobia. Incidence varies and depends on many factors such as the physical nature of the imaging equipment and examination being undertaken, as well as the patient themselves. METHODS: Scan appointment data from between April 2019-March 2021 was extracted and reviewed. Analysis included the type of scanner used, patient age, sex, examination area, funding source, attendance and completion status. Binomial logistic regression was performed to look for any relevant predictors of failure to scan due to claustrophobia. RESULTS: Overall incidence of incomplete examinations due to claustrophobia was 0.76%. Whilst the majority of scans were performed on conventional systems, those undergoing Open scans were over three times more likely to fail a scan due to claustrophobia, whilst those undergoing UpRight scanning were half as likely. Likelihood of claustrophobia increases with females, those between 45-64years of age, funded by the NHS and entering the scanner head first or having a head scan. CONCLUSION: Incidence of incomplete scanning is below 1% but with the potential for further reduction with implementation and use of improved scanner design and technology. Understanding the impact of other variables is also useful to raise awareness of those at greater risk of claustrophobia. However, there are wider influences beyond data alone to consider and account for. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Whilst occurrence of claustrophobia is low, there remains a cost impact, as well as an importance in understanding the patient experience. Drawing on operational data can help provide a limited, generalised view to support service improvement.

Radiographer Perspectives on current occurrence and management of claustrophobia in MRI.

INTRODUCTION: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is well known to be a source of anxiety for patients, commonly appearing as claustrophobia. One of the main reasons for this is due to the physical nature of the scanner itself. Despite technological improvements, there is lacking evidence on whether these improvements have resulted in a reduction in claustrophobia and anxiety in the clinical setting. Background anxiety associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic may also have shown an increase in prevalence. Therefore, the aim of this study was to survey MRI radiographers on their perspectives on the occurrence and management of claustrophobia in modern day clinical practice. METHODS: Following ethical approval, an online survey was used to gather the opinions of MRI radiographers. This used closed ranking questions as well as open responses to gain insight into how this issue may be presenting in practice, preferences in management, and barriers to providing support. RESULTS: Responses provide an up-to-date view on how radiographers perceive both displays of anxiety and associated impacts on patient outcome, the considered sources of anxiety, the use and effectiveness of support strategies, barriers to providing this support, and views on how COVID-19 has impacted on practice. CONCLUSION: The study provides a current view from radiographers on their experience of claustrophobia in practice. It shows that this remains a regular part of practice within the modality. Therefore, for MRI radiographers managing this is an essential component of their role. Communication and interaction with the patient are recognised as important, although time is a barrier to always being able to provide patient centred care. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Ongoing support is needed for both patients and radiographers to improve experience within MRI.