Purpose: To evaluate whether increased written information to patients prior to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) decreases patient anxiety and image motion artifacts.
Material and methods: A two-group controlled experimental design was used. Of 242 patients, 118 received routinely given basic written information (control group) while 124 were given increased written information (intervention group). To measure patient anxiety before and during scanning, the self-report psychometric test State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used. After MR examination, the patients answered a questionnaire on satisfaction with the written information. The images were assessed with regard to motion artifacts.
Results: Motion artifacts were present in fewer patient images in the intervention group than in the control group (4.0% versus 15.4%,; P=0.003). There was no significant difference between the control and the intervention group regarding patient anxiety and satisfaction with the information. Women in both groups showed a higher level of anxiety than the men did.
Conclusion: Increased information about the MRI scanning procedure and expected experiences during the scan may help patients to lie still during the sequences, with a decrease in motion artifacts. However, further research is needed to evaluate the effect of other interventions on patient anxiety during MRI scanning.