The Philips Scan Buddy application offers a gamified approach to prepare children for an upcoming MRI examination. Note that the Scan Buddy App is part of the Pediatric Coaching solution and requires a code provided by your healthcare provider to guide you through the examination.

Overview

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) examination can provide valuable insights to your child's pediatrician. However, for children, undergoing an MRI exam can be a stressful experience. The Scan Buddy App taps into the wonderment of this new experience by engaging your child in an easy-to-enjoy cartoon world called "Scan Buddies." This approach helps both you and your child undergo the MRI exam with confidence, distracting them from their fears and making them feel more in control.

Modules and Features

The Scan Buddy App is developed following the Familiarize, Inform, and Train (FIT) framework and consists of four main modules:

Intro Movie: Provides an overview of the procedures, steps, spaces, and people the child will encounter during the MRI examination.
MRI Scanner Introduction: Introduces the MRI scanner in a non-threatening manner, explaining why metal items are not allowed and familiarizing the child with the strange MRI sounds.
MRI Game: The child gets to help one of the Scan Buddies (Ollie) with her MRI scan. The game involves removing metal items from Ollie, identifying the right equipment for the scan, and keeping the phone or tablet still to simulate lying still during the scan. Throughout the game, the child is exposed to MRI sounds to acclimate them to the environment.
Augmented Reality Game: Helps the child explore what an MRI scanner looks like using augmented reality. Additionally, there is a sticker hunt game where the child walks around the MRI scanner to find stickers, unlocking educational material to demystify the machine and the process.

Adult Information Module

The adult information module includes an educational section and a practicing skills section, providing general information and suggestions about MRI scans to parents and caregivers.

Support

In case you face any problems with the app, kindly reach out to us at helpdesk.ae@philips.com for assistance.

The Philips Scan Buddy App aims to make the MRI experience less daunting for children, ensuring a smoother and more positive outcome for both the child and the medical team.