Easing MRI Fears [Terri Hein]

Many patients feel anxious about getting an MRI, especially if they have had uncomfortable experiences in the past. This video highlights how Brookings Health System’s remodeled imaging department and compassionate staff help patients feel comfortable and confident during MRI procedures.

  • Modern, Comfortable Environment: The newly remodeled MRI room is spacious, warm, and designed to reduce anxiety.
  • Patient-Centered Care: Technicians provide one-on-one attention, ensuring patients feel safe and supported throughout the procedure.
  • Customizable Experience: Patients can choose music and control their comfort during the MRI.
  • Stress Reduction: Compassionate staff and efficient appointment scheduling make the process seamless and less stressful.
  • Local Convenience: Patients do not need to travel far for high-quality MRI imaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

An MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a non-invasive imaging procedure that uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of organs and tissues inside the body. It helps doctors diagnose a variety of medical conditions safely.

Anxiety during an MRI often comes from confined spaces, loud noises, or unfamiliar environments. Some patients may also have had negative experiences during previous MRIs, increasing stress.

Technicians at Brookings Health provide personal attention, ask patients about comfort and music preferences, and remain present during the entire procedure. Patients can communicate using a safety button if needed, which helps them feel safe and supported.

For patients unable to undergo a traditional MRI due to claustrophobia or other concerns, options may include open MRI machines, sedation, or alternative imaging methods like CT scans, depending on the clinical need.

The remodeled imaging department offers a spacious, warm environment, updated equipment, and compassionate staff. Patients experience less anxiety, sometimes avoiding pre-medication entirely, and benefit from efficient, comfortable, and high-quality imaging close to home.

Video Transcript

I'm Terri Hein. I live here in Brookings and in my free time, I like to spend time with my family and our four-year-old granddaughter.

What symptoms brought you to Brookings Health System?

I was at work one day and stood up and walked a little bit and that was it. Something happened with my back. And so I got a hold of my primary care physician at the clinic and she got a referral over and the hospital got me in right away for an MRI.

How did your previous MRI experience compare to the newly remodeled imaging department?

My first MRI experience was in the middle of winter. They bundled me up in my coat and gloves, which I didn't realize what they were doing, and I was taken outdoors. And there was a lot of snow, lots of wind, and that's where I went out to a pod to have my MRI taken. So of course this time it was amazing. The room was obviously much bigger, the MRI machine appeared to even be bigger. It was warm, versus the other one was a little chilly. It was just a relaxing experience. I don't do well with small spaces so this MRI machine, I didn't even have to be medicated, pre-medicated ahead of time. So it was like night and day, an amazing experience.

How did the imaging staff help you feel comfortable?

My experience here was phenomenal from the minute I walked in the front door. I was registered, my technician came to get me and I felt very much cared for. I was in a lot of pain and scared because I did not know what was happening and they made me feel absolutely at ease. We got into the MRI room and my technician asked me what music I wanted to listen to. She asked if I was warm enough. She did not leave my side until I knew that I was safe in there and that if I needed her, I could just squeeze a little button and she would be right there. It was excellent.

What did you appreciate most about Brookings Health System?

The compassion of the hospital staff. The registration girls, the technician, any of the staff that I came into contact with that day, I felt their compassion and made me feel a lot more at ease. I feel that everyone at the hospital has come together and made it easy for me to get my appointments set up in a timely fashion. And I just feel that everyone has come together to help me and it has made things so much easier and less stressful for myself.

What do you think of the hospital expansion and renovation?

It's just so nice, all the work that has been done. It's such a nice addition for the hospital in the Brookings community. Everyone is wonderful, all the way from registration to the technician I had. It was just a very comfortable appointment that I had here.

Would you recommend imaging services at Brookings Health System?

I would highly encourage it. I know that a lot of people can't always get to Sioux Falls and, you know, they don't have to. There's no reason to. I think the facility here offers so much. The experience that I have had here with the staff, the facility itself with a new expansion, I would highly recommend this for anybody to stay right here in town if possible to have any procedures or testing done.

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