Logo
ScienceStack
Table of Contents
Fetching ...
Sign In

Immersive Mixed Reality Simulator for CT Scan Preparation: Enhancing Patient Emotional and Physical Readiness

Alex Smith, Priya Patel, Hu Guo, Marco Ruiz

TL;DR

This work addresses the pervasive anxiety surrounding first-time CT scans by introducing an immersive mixed reality (MR) simulator that combines a realistic CT environment, relaxation training, breath-hold practice, and interactive feedback. In a pilot randomized trial (n=50), MR preparation significantly reduced pre-scan anxiety and improved compliance, with all MR participants completing scans on the first attempt and higher breath-hold success compared with controls. Patients reported high satisfaction and perceived utility, while objective image quality and reduced need for sedatives highlighted potential clinical benefits. The study suggests MR-based CT preparation can enhance patient-centered care and imaging workflow, and outlines a roadmap for broader validation, scalability, and extension to other imaging modalities.

Abstract

First-time patients undergoing diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans often experience significant anxiety and uncertainty, which can negatively impact scan results and patient well-being. We present an immersive mixed reality (MR) simulator designed to prepare adult patients for their first CT scan, aiming to improve both emotional and physical preparedness. In this paper, we review existing methods for reducing scan-related anxiety -- from educational materials to virtual reality exposure -- and identify their limitations. We then detail the design and technical implementation of our MR simulator, which combines a virtual CT suite walkthrough, guided relaxation training, realistic scan simulation (including audiovisual cues and breath-hold practice), and interactive feedback. The inclusion of these features is grounded in evidence-based rationale drawn from prior studies in patient anxiety reduction and compliance. We report results from a pilot study ($n=50$) demonstrating that patients who used the simulator had significantly lower pre-scan anxiety levels and improved compliance during the actual CT procedure, compared to controls. Patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive, indicating high satisfaction and perceived utility. We discuss the clinical implications of deploying such a tool, challenges in integration, and future directions for improving patient-centered care using mixed reality technologies.

Immersive Mixed Reality Simulator for CT Scan Preparation: Enhancing Patient Emotional and Physical Readiness

TL;DR

This work addresses the pervasive anxiety surrounding first-time CT scans by introducing an immersive mixed reality (MR) simulator that combines a realistic CT environment, relaxation training, breath-hold practice, and interactive feedback. In a pilot randomized trial (n=50), MR preparation significantly reduced pre-scan anxiety and improved compliance, with all MR participants completing scans on the first attempt and higher breath-hold success compared with controls. Patients reported high satisfaction and perceived utility, while objective image quality and reduced need for sedatives highlighted potential clinical benefits. The study suggests MR-based CT preparation can enhance patient-centered care and imaging workflow, and outlines a roadmap for broader validation, scalability, and extension to other imaging modalities.

Abstract

First-time patients undergoing diagnostic computed tomography (CT) scans often experience significant anxiety and uncertainty, which can negatively impact scan results and patient well-being. We present an immersive mixed reality (MR) simulator designed to prepare adult patients for their first CT scan, aiming to improve both emotional and physical preparedness. In this paper, we review existing methods for reducing scan-related anxiety -- from educational materials to virtual reality exposure -- and identify their limitations. We then detail the design and technical implementation of our MR simulator, which combines a virtual CT suite walkthrough, guided relaxation training, realistic scan simulation (including audiovisual cues and breath-hold practice), and interactive feedback. The inclusion of these features is grounded in evidence-based rationale drawn from prior studies in patient anxiety reduction and compliance. We report results from a pilot study () demonstrating that patients who used the simulator had significantly lower pre-scan anxiety levels and improved compliance during the actual CT procedure, compared to controls. Patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive, indicating high satisfaction and perceived utility. We discuss the clinical implications of deploying such a tool, challenges in integration, and future directions for improving patient-centered care using mixed reality technologies.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 19 sections, 2 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Related Work and Background
  3. Patient Anxiety in Imaging Procedures
  4. Conventional Anxiety-Reduction Strategies
  5. Immersive Technology Interventions
  6. Design and Implementation
  7. System Overview and Architecture
  8. Virtual Environment and User Interaction
  9. Key Training Modules and Features
  10. Technical Implementation Details
  11. Evaluation
  12. Methods
  13. Results
  14. Discussion
  15. Clinical Implications
  16. ...and 4 more sections

Figures (2)

  • Figure 1: System architecture of the mixed reality CT simulator.
  • Figure 2: Patient feedback survey results after using the MR simulator ($n=25$ for the MR group). High percentages of patients agreed that the simulator made them feel less anxious before the CT, better prepared for what to expect, was easy to use, and that they would recommend it to other patients.