Your Child's Comfort Comes First: Guiding Pediatric Patients through Imaging

Children in Radiology 

Your child has been referred for imaging. What happens next? At Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian (WCINYP), we offer expert pediatric imaging at all eight of our locations. For some pediatric imaging procedures, sedation might be necessary to ensure your child remains still and calm throughout their exam. However, at WCINYP, we are committed to providing complete pediatric imaging services without sedation when possible. Our team of skilled professionals utilizes child-friendly techniques and advanced imaging technologies to ensure accurate results while prioritizing your child’s comfort and safety. We know that medical imaging can feel overwhelming so we’re here to support you every step of the way. 

Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) 

To support you and your child, we provide Certified Child Life Specialists. These professionals are trained in child development and help during all types of imaging exams — MRI, CT, PET-CT, Ultrasound, and X-ray.

Our specialists guide families through the process and help manage the stress and uncertainty that come with illness or injury. Kayla Pozzuto and Rachel Cavaliere are our dedicated specialists, working closely with families, nurses, and technologists to create a smooth and comforting experience. Their goal is to:

• Reduce anxiety

• Clear up misconceptions

• Minimize sedation needs

• Promote positive feelings about the medical environment

Newborns and Infants 

Our strategy for newborns and infants is multifaceted. One technique we use is called “feed and swaddle.” Our Child Life Specialists work with parents to better understand their baby’s eating and sleeping schedule. Such information allows for the baby’s routine to be replicated to help them remain still for exam allowing for a higher likelihood of obtaining quality images.  

Our CCLS recommends one key intervention in the baby's normal routine on the day of the imaging appointment: parents should skip the baby's last feed and last nap before the appointment.  Upon arrival on the day of the exam, parents will consult with our team to determine the best time to feed the baby. We recognize that each baby is unique. Therefore, collaborative discussions between the CCLS and parents will help create a personalized experience to ensure the success of the imaging procedure. 

MRI-am-a-Hero! Program 

To minimize the need for sedation during imaging exams, our MRI-am-a-Hero! program was created at Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian (WCINYP) under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Robert J. Min, President and CEO of the Weill Cornell Medicine Physician Organization and President of Weill Cornell Imaging at NewYork-Presbyterian. Our Child Life Specialists lead this program, which caters to pediatric patients of all ages, customizing their support to meet individual needs. The program combines various techniques to create an enjoyable imaging experience for your family and aims to eliminate the need for sedation during imaging procedures. Many families hope to avoid sedation as it can have adverse medical side effects for children. 

The program includes:

• Developmentally appropriate education and visual aids

• Procedural preparation and familiarization with the medical environment, including a Mini Mock MRI that simulates the sounds and feel of the real machine

• An option to wear a superhero shirt and cape instead of a hospital gown

• A Marvel Comics plush toy given to children as a reward after their exam

CinemaVision 

Another valuable visual aid we have is a system called CinemaVision, it gives patients the opportunity to watch a movie during their MRI. Patients are given headphones and goggles with a screen inside to view a movie of their choice. This system is especially helpful for kids who may be claustrophobic, have exams with notably long scan times, or would generally benefit from visual distraction.  

This system is only available on select MRI machines and is not compatible with every type of exam. If you feel your child would benefit from the use of CinemaVision goggles, please state this request during scheduling. 

Schedule Your Child’s Exam with Us Today 

Choosing the right place for your child’s medical imaging is crucial.  By integrating our comprehensive services with the compassionate care of our Child Life Specialists, we are boosting confidence and introducing coping tools applicable both in and out of the healthcare setting. The sharing of honest, accurate, age-appropriate information can help to reduce anxiety, build trust and support the growth of coping skills all while reducing the need for sedation.  

If your child has an upcoming appointment at one of our 9 locations and you wish to speak to a Child Life Specialist, please contact our patient access center at 212-746-6000.