Page 88 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

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Behind the

MRI Door

What Patients Feel
and What Technologists See

Pritam Malakar
Radiographer
Kokrajhar Cancer Centre
Behind every MRI door,
two experiences unfold at once.

Hospitals are places where science meets
humanity every day. Diagnostic imaging has
become one of the strongest pillars of modern
healthcare, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging The other belongs to
(MRI) is a vital tool for detecting, diagnosing and the MRI technologist,
managing disease with precision. One belongs to the who must remain calm,
patient, who may be focused and attentive
The patient’s perspective nervous, uncertain or to both patient comfort
The journey often begins before the patient enters overwhelmed. and image accuracy.
the scan room. Some patients arrive with fear of
an unexpected diagnosis, anxiety about cancer struggle with discomfort while lying still. Critically
or neurological disease, claustrophobia, panic, or ill patients may already be exhausted by repeated
apprehension about contrast injections and long procedures.
procedures. For many patients, time inside the scanner feels

Inside the scanner, patients must remain still in a longer than it is. What they seek most in that
confined space surrounded by unfamiliar sounds. moment is not only technical competence, but
Even medically stable individuals may experience human reassurance.
claustrophobic reactions, anxiety attacks, stress- Even slight movement can affect image quality
related breathlessness, helplessness or isolation. and require repeat imaging, so technologists
Children may cry because of loud sounds or must balance speed, accuracy, safety and patient
separation from family. Elderly patients may comfort throughout the procedure.

What MRI
technologists Patient safety Image quality Comfort monitoring
manage screening and and emergency and emotional
correct positioning recognition reassurance

88 Use sun protection throughout the year, not only during summer or outdoor activities. 89