Does Distraction With a Hand Held Video Game Reduce Preoperative and Emergence Anxiety in Children?
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2007-07-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Preoperative anxiety is characterized by subjective feelings of tension, apprehension,
nervousness and worry. In children, preoperative anxiety is reported to result in
postoperative negative psychological effects, including nightmares, eating problems and
increased fear of doctors. Previous studies have assessed anxiety in children during the
preoperative period and the effects of premedication and parental presence. Midazolzam has
been shown to reduce preoperative anxiety in children but post operative recovery maybe
delayed for children undergoing a short operative procedure. Distraction may be particularly
helpful in children ages 6-12 as these children are curious about their environment. An
association between preoperative anxiety and emergence agitation has been suggested.
Emergence agitation in children is not well understood but is a frightening experience for
child and parent. A previous study demonstrated the efficacy of hand held video games used as
an interactive distraction to allay preoperative anxiety. The purpose of this study is to
treat preop anxiety with premedication, or video game and to evaluate the impact of these
interventions on the incidence and severity of emergence agitation.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey