Walking into the HKCH Department of Radiology, children are often drawn to the whimsical cartoon murals. But true child-friendliness goes beyond decorations. Every workflow, protocol and arrangement is designed to put children first.

Minimal stress, minimal radiation

One core philosophy of the department is to help children complete imaging exams in the most relaxed way, avoiding unnessecary sedation and leaving them with good memories. Wong Cheuk-man, Advanced Practice Nurse used the circus-themed décor in the CT suite as an example, "When we need children to stay still, instead of saying 'don't move', we give them tasks like naming the colours of the balloons on the wall. This interactive approach is way more effective."

Additionally, Department Manager Lam Tsan-pun noted that minimising radiation is a priority from procurement to daily practice, as children face a higher radiation-related cancer risk than adults. For example, CT protocols are tailored to be as low in radiation dose as possible, and adjusted for different age bands, whereas the EOS system emits 80% less radiation than traditional X-ray scanners. Radiation usage is regularly reviewed by dedicated medical physicist. "If an increasing trend in radiation dose is observed, we adjust the machine parameters accordingly.”

Children-friendly initiatives

1. Thoughtful environment and equipment

• Examination rooms are decorated with different themes, such as spaceship, dinosaurs etc. Such playful environment encourages interaction, so patients will better cooperate.

• The EOS system delivers a much lower radiation dose, particularly suitable for children who require repeated X-ray exams.

2. Smart ways to reduce sedation

• Align feeding and scan times so babies sleep through the exam
• MRI-safe headphones and goggles keep children entertained with their preferred media.
• Where appropriate, parents may hold their children in the MRI scanner
• If sedation is needed, anaesthesiologists would assess and monitor the whole procedure

From terror to triumph

Before undergoing her CT scan, eight-year-old Yik Tung took part in a simulation session led by a hospital play specialist from the Playright Children's Play Association. She was reminded to stay still during the scan. After the simulation, Yik Tung beamed a smile and announced, "I can do it!"

In fact, Yik Tung was anxious the night before. Her mother recalled a traumatic experience at another hospital, where Yik Tung saw other children covered in electrocardiogram electrodes, misunderstanding that it would cause pain. She panicked and refused the test. "We had no choice but to force our way through it," her mother shared.

▲ A hospital play specialist makes use of tailor-made illustrations to explain the procedures of CT scan to Yik Tung.

At HKCH, the hospital play service put her at ease. Her mother said gratefully, "The pre-scan interactive play session helped my daughter understand the process and reduce anxiety. It also gave me a peace of mind.

▲ Children who need additional preparation will undergo a rehearsal using an MRI simulator before the actual MRI scan. They can practise staying still, holding their breath, and getting used to the sounds of the machine.