Virtual Reality Distraction for Anxiety (VR-IMAGINE at HSJ)

The pre-procedural IVR game preparation (IMAGINE) was developed by Paperplane Therapeutics® (intervention development team). IMAGINE is an immersive virtual reality simulation aiming to reduce the anxiety and phobic reactions of young patients and to better prepare them for this exam. Since the game is a preparation, it is a no success game and is independent of the ability and previous experience of the child with video games. It offers an immersive and fun simulation that aims to desensitize young patients to MRI and transform an anxiety-inducing experience into a fun play session. The participant will learn about the main principles of magnetic resonance imaging and experience a very realistic simulation of the MRI exam. This will allow children to prepare for the MRI scanner by enabling them to experience the process of undergoing an MRI exam beforehand.

The usual care group will only receive the standard preparation, which comprises of an explanation of the MRI procedure given by the radiology technician as per the radiology department's protocol. Specifically at the hospital (HSJ), standard care also includes access to a television mounted near the MRI playing videos.The research nurse will be able to complete any information should they find it incomplete or substandard.