Patient resources

You can download the Scan Buddy app via the Apple Store³ or Google Play⁴_,  by searching for Philips Scan Buddy. Please note that for Android⁴ devices your device should minimally have version 10 and for Apple devices, version 14. Other operating systems (such as Windows phone) are not supported.

After installation of the Scan Buddy app, the app will request a 6-digit code to access the contents of the app. This is the code that was provided to you by your hospital. Please store your code carefully, as you will need it, for example when changing the language.

The Scan Buddy app is part of Philips Pediatric Coaching solution, offered to you by your hospital. Your hospital will be able to provide you with a 6-digit license code to access the contents of the app.

It is recommended to get started 2-3 days prior to the MRI appointment, to allow for sufficient playing time and to become familiar with all the learning goals.

The Scan Buddy app provides a fun and engaging way to help your child, and you as a parent or caregiver, to prepare for the exam. It provides an educational video and two interactive games that inform your child about their upcoming MRI procedure. A better understanding of the procedure may increase their confidence and reduce their anxiety with regards to their upcoming scan. Several learning goals are addressed in the Scan Buddy app: Familiarizing your child with the MRI shape and sounds; Informing them about the procedure; Informing them not to bring metal items into the room; Training your child to lie still.

The Scan Buddy app engages children with a fun, easy-to-enjoy cartoon world of lovable characters designed to inform, calm, and comfort them. The app features three modules, each unlocked by completing a game in the previous module, creating a motivating and engaging experience while teaching children about the MRI process in an appropriate order. Within these modules, your child can explore various games, including three unique scenarios in the MRI game and five in the Augmented Reality game, each representing different scan types with associated procedures, equipment and sounds.

In the Scan Buddy app there is an adult module. This adult module provides additional information about the MRI procedure. It also includes tips and additional games on how you can help your child prepare for the upcoming scan.

Language used, and information provided in the adult module, is not adjusted to the developmental age of children. By asking for a calculation, a barrier is provided to the information. Also, it includes a reset function that puts the app back to default settings, which should not be hit by mistake.

The Scan Buddy app is currently available in 25 languages including English, German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, Danish, Greek, Turkish, Arabic and Hebrew. NEW: Bahasa Indonesia, Simplified Chinese, Czech, Japanese, Hindi, Hungarian, Malay, Polish, Ukrainian and Russian.You can change the language by following these steps:

1. Access the adult module
2. Complete the calculation
3. Go to: Settings
4. Select: Reset settings
5. You can now select a language of your choice.

Note: You need to re-enter the 6-digit code to complete installation.

A subsequent module can only be unlocked after the prior one has been completed. This is to allow your child to learn about the procedure in the right sequence and become familiar with the learning goals in the right order. After completing a module, the next one will be unlocked. Once a module is unlocked, you can refer back to it at any time.

Please take the following steps:

1. Check to see if your device is listed below to ensure your device is compatible with Augmented Reality games
   • Apple
   • Android
   • If your device is not listed, it is not compatible with AR games
2. [Apple devices only] Check to see if there was a new iOS version since you installed the app. The Augmented Reality functionality may be impaired. If that is the case: 
   1. Remove the Scan Buddy app from your Apple device
   2. Turn off your Apple device, when the device is completely off, turn it back on
   3. Go to the Apple App Store and reinstall the Philips Scan Buddy (Note: you will have to re-enter the 6-digit code)
3. If the issue is not resolved, check the following items:
   1. Is the camera blocked? (e.g., phone cover)
   2. Is the surface that you point your phone to flat?
   3. Is the surface large enough to project the MRI Scanner and allow the child to walk around?
   4. Are there some objects in your room, for the Augmented Reality module to recognize the environment?
   5. Is there sufficient light?

Internet connection is needed to download the app and at first opening of the app. After that the app can be played offline. Every time you open the app, the app will use internet connection to search for updates, but in offline mode, it will use the latest version of your app.

No personal data will be collected in the Scan Buddy app.

If your question is not on this page, please send an e-mail to [email protected] for questions about the Scan Buddy app. The Pediatric Coaching support team will assist you further.