Caregiver experiences during their child's medical imaging examinations and potential preparatory interventions: A mixed methods systematic review

Introduction Caregivers are vital in supporting children during medical imaging tests, helping reduce anxiety and improve outcomes. However, caregivers often face stress and uncertainty, which can hinder their ability to provide effective support. This systematic review explores caregiver experiences and evaluates preparatory interventions aimed at improving these experiences. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Radiography Journal, Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, and the British Journal of Radiology, including studies up to October 25, 2024. Studies were included if they examined caregiver experiences or assessed interventions during paediatric imaging. Only English-language studies were reviewed. Data were synthesised using a convergent integrated approach per Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, and risk of bias was assessed using CASP tools. Results Eighteen studies involving 1008 caregivers from eight countries were included. Caregivers reported mixed experiences, with anxiety and lack of information being common. Interventions such as informational apps, virtual reality, and child life services showed modest reductions in caregiver anxiety and improved satisfaction. However, non-white families reported lower satisfaction. Most studies had moderate risk of bias and focused primarily on child outcomes. Conclusion This review highlights the mixed experiences of caregivers supporting children for medical imaging tests. While preparatory interventions show promise, further research is needed to develop targeted, culturally sensitive strategies that enhance caregiver experiences and promote family-centred care. Implications for practice Paediatric radiology departments can use the results of this systematic review to make evidence-based decisions on how best to prepare and educate caregivers present for medical imaging tests.