Strategies to improve the magnetic resonance imaging experience for autistic individuals: a cross-sectional study exploring parents and carers' experiences

Nikolaos Stogiannos; Georgia Pavlopoulou; Chris Papadopoulos; Gemma Walsh; Ben Potts; Sarah Moqbel; Antigoni Gkaravella; Jonathan McNulty; Clare Simcock; Sebastian Gaigg; Dermot Bowler; Keith Marais; Karen Cleaver; Jane Harvey Lloyd; Cláudia Sá Dos Reis; Christina Malamateniou

doi:10.1186/s12913-023-10333-w

Strategies to improve the magnetic resonance imaging experience for autistic individuals: a cross-sectional study exploring parents and carers' experiences

BMC Health Serv Res. 2023 Dec 7;23(1):1375. doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-10333-w.

Authors

Nikolaos Stogiannos^{1

2}, Georgia Pavlopoulou^{3

4}, Chris Papadopoulos⁵, Gemma Walsh¹, Ben Potts^{1

6}, Sarah Moqbel⁴, Antigoni Gkaravella⁴, Jonathan McNulty⁷, Clare Simcock⁸, Sebastian Gaigg⁹, Dermot Bowler⁹, Keith Marais¹⁰, Karen Cleaver¹¹, Jane Harvey Lloyd¹², Cláudia Sá Dos Reis¹³, Christina Malamateniou¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Midwifery & Radiography, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK.
² Medical Imaging Department, Corfu General Hospital, Corfu, Greece.
³ Department of Psychology and Human Development, University College London, Institute of Education Group for Research in Relationships in NeuroDiversity-GRRAND, London, UK.
⁴ Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK.
⁵ Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, Putteridge Bury Campus, Luton, UK. chris.papadopoulos@beds.ac.uk.
⁶ Southampton General Hospital, University Hospitals Southampton Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
⁷ School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
⁸ Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, University College London, London, UK.
⁹ Department of Psychology, School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK.
¹⁰ Community Involvement, University of London, London, UK.
¹¹ Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences, University of Greenwich, London, UK.
¹² Department of Specialist Science Education, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
¹³ School of Health Sciences (HESAV), University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland (HES- SO), Lausanne, CH, Switzerland.

Abstract

Background: Autistic individuals encounter numerous barriers in accessing healthcare, including communication difficulties, sensory sensitivities, and a lack of appropriate adjustments. These issues are particularly acute during MRI scans, which involve confined spaces, loud noises, and the necessity to remain still. There remains no unified approach to preparing autistic individuals for MRI procedures.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with parents and carers of autistic individuals in the UK to explore their experiences, barriers, and recommendations concerning MRI scans. The survey collected demographic information and experiential accounts of previous MRI procedures. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively, while key themes were identified within the qualitative data through inductive thematic analysis.

Results: Sixteen parents/carers participated. The majority reported difficulties with communication, inadequate pre-scan preparation, and insufficient adjustments during MRI scans for their autistic children. Key barriers included an overwhelming sensory environment, radiographers' limited understanding of autism, and anxiety stemming from uncertainties about the procedure. Recommended improvements encompassed accessible communication, pre-visit familiarisation, noise-reduction and sensory adaptations, staff training on autism, and greater flexibility to meet individual needs.

Conclusions: There is an urgent need to enhance MRI experiences for autistic individuals. This can be achieved through improved staff knowledge, effective communication strategies, thorough pre-scan preparation, and tailored reasonable adjustments. Co-producing clear MRI guidelines with the autism community could standardise sensitive practices. An individualised approach is crucial for reducing anxiety and facilitating participation. Empowering radiographers through autism-specific education and incorporating insights from autistic individuals and their families could transform MRI experiences and outcomes.

Keywords: Autism; Carers; Healthcare accessibility; Inclusivity; Magnetic resonance imaging; Parents; Radiography.

MeSH terms

Autistic Disorder* / diagnostic imaging
Caregivers*
Child
Cross-Sectional Studies
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Parents