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A visualization project which turns MRI scans into pictures so doctors can better explain complex conditions to patients has been unveiled at a conference in San Diego.

A visualization approach which turns MRI scans into pictures, may help doctors better explain conditions to their patients. 

John McGhee, a member of the School of Media Arts & Imaging at the University of Dundee in Scotland, says that unintended outcome of a small study of elderly patients’ visual recall is the discovery of a means to improve communication between patients and medical professionals.

His primary research aim is to “investigate the emotional and psychological issues associated with medical imaging, documenting how different forms of digital 3D visualization may allow a greater understanding of illness and aid the process of recovery.”

In a study of 18 patients suffering from arteriosclerosis the primary purpose was all about whether the patients, with an average age of 71, could understand what the images depicted. "It was about imparting information but more importantly about getting a dialogue going on to help to get the patient discussing what is going on," he said.

"Doctors talk shop, which can be difficult for patients to penetrate. The tools and methods used to pass on information about illnesses and cures were as various as the doctors themselves. None are that great," he said in an interview with the BBC.

But, by producing simplified images from detailed MRI scans, for example, patients can get a far better grasp of what is happening inside them, how it came about, and what is being done about it, he added.

Exposure to the images also helped in subsequent discussions, said Mr McGhee. "When they talk to health professionals and go armed with better questions and knowledge of their anatomy," he added.

The research was shown off at the Siggraph computer graphics convention being held in San Diego, US from 5-9 August. Siggraph 2007 brings together digital innovators, creative researchers, award-winning producers, provocative artists, energetic executives, and adventurous engineers.

Four go off to San Diego
John McGhee's website