Preoperative anxiety is frequently experienced by children undergoing anaesthesia and surgery
and being separated from parents during the operation. It is associated with a significant
number of adverse outcomes such as maladaptive behavioural changes and increased
postoperative analgesic requirements. Pharmacological interventions such as midazolam are
widely used to decrease preoperative anxiety in children. However, premedication may be
associated with undesirable effects such as paradoxical reactions, prolonged sedation and
adverse behavioural changes.The aim of this study is to develop and use a serious game,
HospiAvontuur, which can be used during the preparation of children for an admission at the
hospital. By using this game the researchers aim to reduce the usage of pharmacological
interventions and to increase the use of non-pharmacological interventions, such as
HospiAvontuur.