Royal Philips and the Walt Disney Company have launched a collaboration that brings Disney-themed content into Philips’ Ambient Experience MR platform, aiming to make scans less stressful for children.

Under the agreement, Disney characters and stories will be integrated into Philips Ambient Experience for MR systems used at healthcare facilities in 87 countries. The platform combines lighting, sound and visual elements designed to create a more calming environment before and during imaging exams.

MR procedures can be difficult for children, who must remain still inside a noisy scanner for extended periods. Philips cited research indicating that 66% of pediatric patients experience anxiety during MR exams. Anxiety can contribute to interruptions, repeat scans and, in some cases, the need for sedation.
The companies pointed to findings from a multicenter study conducted at six hospitals in Europe evaluating Disney-themed Ambient Experience installations. According to the study, children ages 6 to 10 experienced a 43% reduction in post-scan stress levels compared with pre-exam measurements. The study also reported a 63% reduction in pauses during scans compared with procedures performed without the intervention.

“The data showed that a child-friendly audio-visual intervention reduced stress levels in young children and decreased scan disruptions, supporting a smoother MR workflow,” said Emilio J. Inarejos Clemente of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Sant Joan de Deu Hospital in Barcelona, Spain.

The Disney content is available as part of Philips Ambient Experience and allows patients and families to select from a range of characters and franchises, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Disney Princesses, Marvel and Star Wars properties.

The Amsterdam-based imaging and health technology company said the initiative is part of its broader effort to improve patient comfort during imaging procedures. Philips has also developed pediatric-focused imaging tools such as Pediatric Coaching, Scan Buddy and Kitten Scanners.

Disney said it provided the artwork and imagery for the MR environments at no cost as part of its charitable support for children’s hospitals and pediatric care settings. Early adopters of the themed MR experience include Rady Children’s Health in Orange County, California, and Calderdale Royal Hospital in England.

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