For the first time, Disney stories and characters will be integrated into Philips ambient experience for MRI at medical facilities around the world to help create calmer, more comfortable patient experiences.
Royal Philips and The Walt Disney Company have partnered to integrate Disney stories and characters into Philips ambient experience for MRI systems at medical facilities across 87 countries, aiming to create a calmer and more engaging environment for children undergoing scans.
The initiative marks the first time Disney content is being directly incorporated into Philips’ MRI ambient experience platform. Children and families can choose from characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Marvel superheroes, Star Wars favourites and Disney Princesses during imaging procedures.
Focus on reducing anxiety during scans
MRI scans can be stressful for young children due to loud noises, unfamiliar surroundings and the need to remain still for extended periods. Philips said the immersive environment can help reduce anxiety, lower scan disruptions and improve completion rates.
Philips, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Diagnosis and Treatment, Atul Gupta, said, “By bringing Disney stories into the MRI environment, we are helping create a setting where children can feel more at ease and remain still during scans. Reducing stress can improve the experience for young patients and their families, while helping care teams deliver efficient, high-quality imaging.”
According to Philips, 66% of pediatric patients report anxiety during MRI scans, often leading to re-scans, delays and in some cases sedation.
Study highlights improved patient experience
A multi-center study conducted across six hospitals in Europe showed that Disney-themed ambient experiences significantly improved pediatric MRI procedures for children aged 6 to 10 years.
The study found post-scan stress levels reduced by 43%, while pauses during scans dropped by 63% compared to procedures without the intervention.
Sant Joan de Deu Hospital, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Emilio J. Inarejos Clemente, said, “The data showed that a child-friendly audio-visual intervention reduced stress levels in young children and decreased scan disruptions, supporting a smoother MRI workflow.”
Hospitals begin adopting the platform
Philips said the Disney-themed experience builds on its broader pediatric healthcare initiatives, including child-friendly imaging technologies and AI-driven solutions designed to improve clinical workflows and patient care.
Disney has provided the artwork and imagery for the Philips platform at no cost as part of its charitable healthcare initiatives. The entertainment company recently completed a $100 million commitment supporting over 1,700 children’s hospitals and pediatric care centres across 45 countries.
Early adopters of the Disney-themed MRI environment include pilot hospitals in Europe, along with Rady Children’s Health in Orange County and Calderdale Royal Hospital.