It's no secret, medical tests can make patients stressed, but at Union Health we believe in providing healthcare from the patients' point of view.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of a powerful magnet, radio waves and computer technology to produce detailed images of structures and organs within the body.

"We are most excited about our newest addition in MRI, our Ambient Experience," Kyna Marshall, Imaging Services Supervisor, said. "Ambient Experience is now available in both our Union Terre Haute exam rooms and allows for patients to have a stronger sense of control by selecting a relaxing scene or movie to focus on throughout their MRI exam.  All of these tactics and efforts have been implemented to ensure we are honoring our mission of providing our patients with compassionate and high-quality care."

Many diagnostic image scanning environments can be far from welcoming or comfortable for patients, especially children or those suffering from claustrophobia. However, with the right environment, patients can feel empowered, distracted, calm or relaxed.

"In Imaging Services, we understand that MRI can be daunting for some of our patients with sensitivity to being in enclosed spaces," Marshall said. "To provide a more comfortable experience during your MRI exam at Union Hospital Terre Haute, we have implemented many tactics. Both MRI magnets have a wide bore for improved fit, Aromatabs are available in scents of lavender and orange peppermint that can provide a soothing distraction for the sense of smell, eye masks are offered for those patients who prefer to shut their eyes off to the world during their exam and prism glasses are an option for others who want to ensure they can see outside of the bore of the magnet while their imaging is completed."

Union Health is now offering MRI exams with an Ambient Experience.

In general, MRI exams are very sensitive to patient motion. Any motion can distort the exam, making it difficult to acquire high-quality images. The Ambient Experience was designed to help patients relax and hold still during a head-first MRI examination.

Here's how it works.

• When a patient arrives for a head-first MRI, he/she will be asked to choose a video to watch. 

• The patient will then be placed in the In-Bore Scanner.

• The engaging visuals will be displayed on a wall but seen by the patient, via a reflective mirror.

• Combined with sound, it creates an immersive viewing experience, allowing the patient to relax while holding still during the actual MRI examination.

The Ambient Experience can help reduce patient anxiety and improve patient care. In some cases, Ambient Experience may be able to help reduce the number of rescans.

It's a painless procedure that has a time variation between 15 to 90 minutes, based on the size of the area being scanned and the number of images being taken. During a scan, patients can expect the equipment to make a variety of different sounds, including muffled thumping and banging.

When you schedule you're next MRI, come see why the Ambient Experience can provide a calm and comfortable patient experience.

For more information, call 812-238-7000.