SENECA, Pa. — UPMC Northwest says patients receiving a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will experience “a better, more relaxing experience.”

Recently, the hospital began using new equipment that provides ceiling and wall displays that bring the healing quality of nature or a favorite movie to patients with a tap of a finger.

An MRI is a noninvasive test that uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to create detailed pictures of organs and structures inside the body. The MRI machine looks like a long metal tube.

“This technology provides a personalized MRI experience and helps reduce anxiety by taking the patient’s mind off being enclosed,” said Laura Jones, director, imaging and lab service. “From a clinical standpoint, we expect that we will see a reduction in failed scans due to claustrophobia. Our goal is to exceed patient expectations and provide a positive patient experience with state-of-the-art MRI imaging.”

The MRI suite enables patients to choose their preferred high-definition nature-themed video, music, lighting hue or even a movie, Jones said. Videos include mountain and beach scenes, for example, and various audio tracks can be combined with the video.

The UPMC Northwest Open MRI in Reno is expected to discontinue in December. At that time, all MRIs will be conducted on the new equipment at the hospital.