LEGO MRI Scanner set reduces anxiety and sedation for children
Over one million children around the world have used the LEGO Group's MRI Scanner set, helping transform a potentially stressful medical procedure through a playful, hands-on learning experience.
Understanding MRI procedures
The set, which features a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, scanning room, staff minifigures and medical accessories, was designed by the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation to help children understand MRI procedures by learning through play. MRI scans are frequently used in pediatric care because they do not use radiation. But for many children, the experience can be overwhelming requiring them to lie still in a large, noisy machine for extended periods. As a result, sedation or general anesthesia is often used.
Alleviating children’s anxiety
New research conducted by the LEGO Group revealed that 96% of healthcare professionals globally who used the LEGO MRI Scanner set say the model helps alleviate children’s anxiety, and 46% report that it has reduced the need for sedation or anesthesia during MRI procedures.
Since 2023, more than 10,000 LEGO MRI Scanner sets have been donated to hospitals and health professionals around the world as part of the LEGO Group’s commitment to unlocking the power of play for children, especially those who may need it most.
From Scan to Smiles
Through role play and storytelling, the LEGO MRI Scanner allows hospital staff to offer a more child-centered, playful approach when they prepare a child for a scan. The research also showed that 95% of healthcare professionals using the set say it improves the family’s hospital experience, while 94% find it fun and engaging for children.