For the first time in Switzerland: fewer children's fears and greater efficiency thanks to the «MINITOM Kids» MRI simulator»

UKBB is taking a further step towards child-friendly medicine: the «MINITOM Kids» simulator is now available to help children prepare for MRI examinations in a realistic and age-appropriate way. The innovative device from Siemens Healthineers is attracting worldwide attention and enables children to experience the sounds, movements and procedures of an examination in a playful way. This is important because careful preparation has been proven to reduce anxiety and stress in paediatric patients and their relatives.

Less fear, more efficiency

Medical examinations are often associated with uncertainty for children - especially in the case of MRI examinations. Anxiety regularly leads to higher costs in everyday clinical practice. «With the »MINITOM Kids', we can take away children's fear of the examination in a playful way. This not only makes the procedure easier, but also helps to reduce the need for sedation," explains Dr Friederike Prüfer, Head of Radiology at UKBB.

It is already possible to arrange a «trial bed» in the MRI department if required. This offer helps to clarify questions or uncertainties, but can only take place outside of ongoing operations. The new simulator closes precisely this gap: The children can also familiarise themselves with the MRI machine during ongoing operations and develop a realistic feeling for how their examination will proceed.

On the interactive tablet, the animated giraffe «Gerda» shows what happens during an examination in a child-friendly way. The MINITOM learning device (950 × 950 × 1115 mm) imitates typical MRI noises, making the process transparent and understandable. This builds trust and improves the cooperation of young patients. This can demonstrably lead to shorter examination times and lower sedation rates.

Economy and quality combined

Paediatric radiology is currently under particular economic pressure, as the special requirements of paediatrics are often insufficiently reflected in the tariff system. Every measure that makes the examination process more efficient is therefore a benefit for both the hospital and the patients.

«Innovations such as the »MINITOM Kids' are an important step towards further improving care for our young patients and at the same time strengthening efficiency in a challenging environment," emphasises Marco Fischer, CEO of UKBB.

Thanks to the supporters

The purchase of the «MINITOM Kids» was made possible thanks to the support of Eckhirsch Group AG. The Pro UKBB Foundation would like to thank the sponsor for helping to realise innovative solutions for paediatric medicine. With the new teaching device, the UKBB is setting a further example for modern, child-orientated and efficient care.