Akureyri

Researchers are evaluating how different educational methods affect anxiety in children aged 4 to 8 years who are undergoing anesthesia for medical procedures. The study compares an educational health game, a similar educational story on a website, and usual care to understand their impact on children's anxiety levels. This randomized controlled trial aims to innovate patient education by using computer games to inform, teach coping skills, and build confidence in children facing anesthesia. Participants are divided into three groups: one group plays the educational mobile game, another accesses similar educational content via a website story, and the third receives the usual preparation information from healthcare staff. The study includes multiple data collection points: before the intervention, during the hospital visit, and after anesthesia. Parents provide background information and complete questionnaires at these times, while nurses observe the child's anxiety before and just prior to anesthesia. Nurses also note behaviors such as crying or calmness upon waking and collect relevant medical record details. Throughout the study, children's anxiety is assessed twice on the day of surgery using a standard tool in the waiting room and just before anesthesia induction. Parents answer questionnaires about their own anxiety and their child's experience before, during, and 2 to 4 days after anesthesia. The trial is conducted in hospitals in Finland and Iceland with a planned enrollment of 150 children. The findings will provide important insights into how educational games compare to other methods in reducing preoperative anxiety in children.