Virtual Reality Pre-Scan Simulation to Reduce MRI-Related Anxiety and Improve Scanning Efficiency

Abstract

Claustrophobia and anxiety are leading causes of failed or interrupted MRI procedures, representing a significant cost burden on imaging services. This study investigated the effectiveness of a custom Virtual Reality (VR) pre-scan simulation in reducing MRI-related anxiety compared to a video-and-guided-meditation intervention and a standard control condition. Eighteen participants were allocated to three groups (n = 6 each). Anxiety was measured using the Claustrophobia Likert Questionnaire (CLQ) and the MRI Anxiety Questionnaire (MRI-AQ) before and after the procedure. The VR group demonstrated the greatest anxiety reduction, with a mean post-intervention score of 1.322 (SD = 0.281) versus 1.778 (SD = 0.202) in the control group. Paired t-tests confirmed statistical significance: Pre-MRI vs. Post-VR (p = 0.0077) and Control vs. Post-VR (p = 0.0107). These findings indicate that immersive VR simulation is significantly more effective than both standard preparation and video-based methods in reducing MRI anxiety, with implications for reducing sedation rates and improving scanner throughput.