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Redefine the paediatric patient experience 

Children differ fundamentally from other patient groups in terms of their emotional and cognitive needs. To offer children the best possible treatment, Siemens Healthineers and its partners have developed a holistic approach that will enable a smooth performance of imaging examinations (MRI, fluoroscopy and CT) on children. Child-friendly preparation and supporting materials are designed to help reduce the perceived stress level of medical staff, children, and parents, to enable a smooth examination process for all involved. 

Parents

Dear parents,

Siemens Healthineers kindly welcomes you to our paediatric patient experience page, which gives you and your child the opportunity to prepare yourselves for the upcoming imaging examination together with our holistic approach with Gerda, the Brave Giraffe.

In this section, you will find useful information about the different kinds of imaging examinations as well as materials to download, to help your child to be thoroughly prepared for the examination. Together with Gerda, the Brave Giraffe, we look at how you can prepare for the examination and what to expect on the day.

Imaging examination methods supported by Gerda, the Brave Giraffe

Fluoroscopy

CT

MRI

Ideal patient journey

Fluoroscopy (fluoroscopic examination) uses X-rays to generate real-time moving images of the inside of a patient. It is like a video made up of dynamic X-ray images. Using a digital detector, the images are displayed on the monitor.

The fluoroscopy procedure is performed using a large screening device. This procedure is unfamiliar to children and can cause a variety of reactions. While one child will be excited and curious about the machine, others will be afraid of spending time in the treatment room.

CT explanation

Computed tomography is used to take highly detailed images of the patient's body. These images help the physician detect illnesses and changes in the body early on to provide the best-possible treatment.

MR explanation

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used to depict internal organs. Unlike other imaging procedures, the MRI scanner works with a magnetic field and radio waves, which means there is no radiation exposure.

An MRI examination can only be conducted using a lot of technology and a large machine. This procedure is unfamiliar to children and can cause a variety of reactions. While one child will be excited and curious about the machine, others will be afraid of spending time in the treatment room.

German

    MR scanning has not been established as safe for imaging fetuses and infants younger than two years of age. The physician must evaluate the benefits of the MR examination over other imaging procedures.

    Professionals and clinicians

    Dear professionals and clinicians,

    The materials involving Gerda, the Brave Giraffe for the preparation of children and their accompanying persons support you in communicating with the families. The materials were developed together with children, parents, psychologists, radiologists, and radiological technologists in various hospitals. We also provide recommendations for their most effective use. We hope you enjoy our holistic concept with Gerda, the Brave Giraffe.

    Materials and order area

    Here, you will find an overview of all materials that can be ordered.

    Pediatric experience box

    Paediatric experience box

    The paediatric experience box contains a range of resources that can be used to prepare children for their examination. Click on the arrow on the right for a detailed view of the individual items.

     

      All available materials can be ordered either as part of the pediatric experience box or as single items.

      Ideal patient story

      Recommendation for use

      The materials will give you the best results for your clinical routine if they are used in a certain order, preferably several days before the planned examination. So, you can choose to have the materials sent directly to your referring physician when reordering. The material is designed for families and children aged 3-9 years. We recommend using the book in combination with the audio material before the examination. The book contains interactions that are designed to be used in the book, not digitally. So that the child recognizes the familiar theme in the hospital, Gerda, the Brave Giraffe is also available as a theme world for the waiting room or the examination room (please use the feedback option below for this request).

      The content of this website is subject of material submission to the International UX Award 2022. All assets are in clinical evaluation. Future availability cannot be guaranteed.