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Pediatric MRI key visual

Redefine the pediatric patient experience 

Children differ fundamentally from other patient groups in terms of their emotional and cognitive needs. To offer children the best possible treatment, Siemens Healthineers and its partners have developed a holistic approach that will enable a smooth performance of imaging examinations (MRI, fluoroscopy and CT) on children. Child-friendly preparation and supporting materials are designed to help reduce the perceived stress level of medical staff, children, and parents, to enable a smooth examination process for all involved. 

Introducing MINITOM Kids 

Gerda, the Brave Giraffe!

MINITOM Kids learning and educational device is our newest contribution to pediatric patient experience. This child-sized model scanner was created to resemble both our CT and MR systems. It allows children to become familiar with the scan process through interactive exploration.

MINITOM Kids includes a moveable table, a button that creates scan noises, and a tunnel under the scanner which children can use to practice lying still in the bore. The attached tablet demonstrates how Gerda, the Brave Giraffe which children will recognize from the pediatric patient preparation children's book is scanned.

Parents

Siemens Healthineers kindly welcomes you to our pediatric patient experience page, which gives you and your child the opportunity to prepare yourselves for the upcoming imaging examination together with our holistic approach with Gerda, the Brave Giraffe.

In this section, you will find useful information about the different kinds of imaging examinations as well as materials to download, to help your child to be thoroughly prepared for the examination. Together with Gerda, the Brave Giraffe, we look at how you can prepare for and what to expect on the examination day.

Imaging examination methods supported by Gerda, the Brave Giraffe

 

Fluoroscopy

CT

MRI

Ideal patient journey

Fluoroscopy (fluoroscopic examination) uses X-rays to generate real-time moving images of the inside of a patient. It is like a video made up of dynamic X-ray images. Using a digital detector, the images are displayed on the monitor.

The fluoroscopy procedure is performed using a large screening device. This procedure is unfamiliar to children and can cause a variety of reactions. While one child will be excited and curious about the machine, others will be afraid of spending time in the treatment room.

CT explanation

Computed tomography is used to take highly detailed images of the patient's body. These images help the physician detect illnesses and changes in the body early on to provide the best-possible treatment.

MR explanation
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to depict internal organs. Unlike other imaging procedures, the MRI scanner works with a magnetic field and radio waves, which means there is no radiation exposure. An MRI examination can only be conducted using a lot of technology and a large machine. This procedure is unfamiliar to children and can cause a variety of reactions. While one child will be excited and curious about the machine, others will be afraid of spending time in the treatment room.

What to expect from an MRI exam?

Watch this video to experience what you and your child can expect from an MRI exam.

MR scanning has not been established as safe for imaging fetuses and infants younger than two years of age. The physician must evaluate the benefits of the MR examination over other imaging procedures.

Download area

Here you can download all digital materials available for the preparation of the imaging examination. 

Listen now or stream via Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify.

Audiobook (EN): 
Gerda, the Brave Giraffe  

Audiobook (DE): 
Gerda, the Brave Giraffe 

The Magic Song (EN)

Professionals and clinicians

The materials involving Gerda, the Brave Giraffe for the preparation of children and their accompanying persons support you in communicating with the families. The materials were developed together with children, parents, psychologists, radiologists, and radiological technologists in various hospitals. We also provide recommendations for their most effective use. We hope you enjoy our holistic concept with Gerda, the Brave Giraffe.

Materials and order area

Here, you will find an overview of all materials that can be ordered.

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The pediatric experience box contains resources that can be used to prepare children for their examination (Gerda book and animals stickers).

Pediatric experience box

The pediatric experience box contains resources that can be used to prepare children for their examination (Gerda book and animals stickers).

 

The pediatric experience box contains resources that can be used to prepare children for their examination (Gerda book and animals stickers).
The Book: Gerda, the Brave Giraffe helps you to prepare patients in the best possible way.
Pediatric experience materials - braveness medal, animal stickers, and plush Gerda help children to stay brave during the whole examination process
Pediatric experience materials, girl reading Gerda the giraffe book
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Pediatric experience - Ideal patient story

Recommendation for use

The materials will give you the best results for your clinical routine if they are used in a certain order, preferably several days before the planned examination. So, you can choose to have the materials sent directly to your referring physician when reordering. The material is designed for families and children aged 3-9 years. We recommend using the book in combination with the audio material before the examination. The book contains interactions that are designed to be used in the book, not digitally. So that the child recognizes the familiar theme in the hospital, Gerda, the Brave Giraffe is also available as a theme world for the waiting room or the examination room (please use the feedback option below for this request).

We welcome any feedback on our pediatric experience materials.

The products/features shown on this webpage are not commercially available in all countries. Due to regulatory reasons their future availability cannot be guaranteed. Please contact your local Siemens Healthineers organization for further details.