As a radiography technician, one of the most important roles is to help patients feel comfortable and at ease during their scan, especially when anxiety or fear of confined spaces—known as claustrophobia—comes into play. Many people feel nervous about undergoing scans, particularly in MRI and CT machines, where the equipment is large, enclosed, and often accompanied by loud noises. For those who have claustrophobia, these enclosed spaces can heighten anxiety and cause significant distress. Being able to recognize, understand, and effectively manage these fears is a valuable skill for any radiography technician, not only to create a positive experience for the patient but also to ensure a successful scan. A few compassionate strategies and techniques can go a long way in helping patients feel more secure and relaxed throughout the process.

Communication is one of the most essential steps in calming patients who are anxious about undergoing a scan. Often, their anxiety comes from a fear of the unknown, so by taking the time to calmly and clearly explain each part of the process, you can make them feel more in control and reduce much of their nervousness. Talking them through what they will experience—such as the time it will take, the sounds they’ll hear, and the importance of staying still—helps patients understand what to expect. For those with claustrophobia, knowing that you’ll be nearby and that they can reach out if they feel uncomfortable can provide a reassuring sense of support. Remind them that they’ll be monitored throughout the procedure and that their comfort is a priority. When patients feel informed, they are often better able to manage their anxiety and feel more confident about going through with the scan.

For particularly anxious patients, offering a practice run can be incredibly helpful. Many facilities allow radiography technicians to give patients a brief introduction to the equipment, allowing them to see and even feel what it will be like without actually undergoing the scan. This experience can help patients see that while the machine may seem intimidating, it is not as frightening as they might have imagined. Just lying down on the table and being gently positioned without the machine turned on can reduce anxiety and give them a chance to adjust to the environment. Sometimes, the feeling of familiarity alone can make a significant difference for patients with claustrophobia, helping them build a sense of comfort and security before the real scan begins.

Encouraging patients to use relaxation techniques is another helpful strategy to combat claustrophobia. By guiding them to focus on deep, slow breaths or progressive muscle relaxation, you can help them manage their anxiety in real-time. Teach them to breathe in slowly through the nose, hold the breath for a few seconds, and then release it in a controlled exhale. This simple technique can calm the nervous system and prevent the sense of panic that may arise in enclosed spaces. Many patients benefit from counting their breaths or visualizing a calm place, like a beach or a mountain landscape, which can help distract from the enclosed environment and focus on positive, calming images instead.

For patients who feel particularly overwhelmed by the enclosed space of a scanner, suggest that they keep their eyes closed. This might seem like a small gesture, but it can make a big difference. When patients close their eyes, they can imagine that they’re in a larger, open space, which can prevent feelings of confinement from escalating. With their eyes closed, they are often better able to use visualization to mentally place themselves somewhere peaceful and comforting, far from the physical confines of the machine. Remind them that closing their eyes can allow them to center their thoughts on something pleasant, rather than the details of the scanning environment.

Distractions can also play a powerful role in alleviating claustrophobia. Many facilities provide headphones with soothing music, nature sounds, or even guided meditation recordings that patients can listen to during their scan. If this option is available, take the time to let patients select a track or genre that makes them feel comfortable. The familiarity and enjoyment of music can help patients focus on something other than the machine and can make the time pass more quickly. Guided meditations, which encourage deep breathing and relaxation, can be especially helpful for patients experiencing high levels of anxiety. By creating a pleasant sensory experience, you can help your patients stay calm and shift their attention away from their fears.

For some patients, simply knowing that they are not alone in the experience can help ease their fears. Encourage them to bring a loved one along if the facility allows it. Having a friend or family member in the room, or even just nearby, can provide emotional reassurance and help them feel supported. In many cases, patients find that just seeing a friendly face nearby can help them endure the scan with greater ease and less anxiety. Even though the loved one may not be able to physically stay in the scanning room, their presence can be an invaluable source of comfort.

For patients whose claustrophobia is particularly intense, another option may be to schedule their scan at a less busy time, when the facility is quieter and there are fewer distractions. In cases of severe anxiety, some patients may also benefit from taking a mild sedative prescribed by their physician before the scan. Though this is generally reserved for patients with serious levels of claustrophobia, it can be a solution for those who would otherwise struggle to complete the scan. Encourage patients to speak with their doctor about this option if their fear is overwhelming.

During the scan, it’s essential to keep checking in with the patient to make sure they’re comfortable. Many scanning machines are equipped with microphones, allowing the patient to speak with you if they feel anxious or need reassurance. Checking in occasionally, even just to ask, “How are you doing?” or to remind them of how much time is left, can make a patient feel less isolated. Knowing they can communicate with you and that you’re there to help them can prevent feelings of panic. When patients feel connected to someone on the outside, they’re more likely to stay calm and composed throughout the scan.

Another valuable tactic is to remind patients of the purpose and benefits of the scan. Explain how this imaging procedure could be essential in diagnosing and treating their condition, which can help patients shift their focus to the importance of the scan rather than the discomfort they feel. When patients understand that the scan could provide valuable insights into their health, they may feel more motivated to overcome their fears. This perspective shift can make the process feel more purposeful and less about the immediate challenge of confinement.

Helping patients with claustrophobia requires patience, empathy, and a proactive approach, and these small acts of kindness can significantly improve a patient’s experience. By incorporating these strategies into your practice as a radiography technician, you can create a supportive and reassuring environment that allows even the most anxious patients to get through their scans with confidence and comfort.