Lego MRI Sets Reduce Anxiety in Children

Lego makes a great variety of toys and buildable sets, but did you know about their realistic MRI scanner sets? Lego’s MRI scanner sets, which feature a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, staff figures, and medical instruments, were designed specifically to help children learn about the procedure through hands-on play. The miniature MRI machine table even moves back and forth, mimicking a real procedure.

The toy company recently announced that more than 1 million children globally have used the sets to help them prepare for their medical procedures. New Lego research found that 96% of healthcare professionals said the model helps to reduce children’s anxiety, and 46% reported a lesser need to use sedation after the children played with the set. MRIs, which don’t involve radiation, are often used in pediatric care, but with the bright light, loud noises, and requirement to stay still, the machines often frighten children and introduce the need for sedation. The Lego sets are reducing the need for this, allowing children to become familiar and comfortable with the procedure in Lego form before having to undergo the real procedure themselves.

Having children play with the Lego set before their own MRI scans has significantly helped decrease anxiety and increase familiarity with the procedure, according to child life specialists at Boston Children’s Hospital. Lego doesn’t sell the sets and instead has donated more than 10,000 of the kits to hospitals around the world. Anecdotally, the sets are also helping kids in the hospital feel more connected to other sick kids. Building the MRI sets to help other kids feel less scared about the real-life procedure is a great team-building exercise and has helped kids in the hospital feel like they have a purpose in helping other kids who may be scared about getting an MRI or other hospital tests and procedures.

Allison Green
Boston Tutoring Services