Comparing language used during anesthesia induction in children

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Positive Language vs Common Language During Inhalational Induction

Not applicable Interventional Boston Children's Hospital · NCT06324955

This study tests whether using positive language instead of standard language during anesthesia can help reduce anxiety and negative behaviors in children aged 5 to 10 years.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages5 Years to 10 Years
SexAll
SponsorBoston Children's Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06324955 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effects of standard versus positive language used by clinicians during inhalational induction of anesthesia on anxiety and negative behaviors in children aged 5 to 10 years. It is a prospective randomized parallel group trial where participants will be assigned to either the common language group or the positive language group. The goal is to determine if the type of language used can influence the child's experience during anesthesia induction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy children aged 5 to 10 years who are undergoing non-emergent procedures requiring inhalational induction.

Not a fit: Patients who may not benefit from this study include those with behavioral difficulties, hearing impairments, or those who do not speak English.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved experiences and reduced anxiety for children undergoing anesthesia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the impact of communication styles in medical settings, suggesting that positive language may improve patient experiences, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA 1 and 2 (Healthy Patients)
* Non-emergent cases
* 5-10 year olds
* Patients receiving inhalational induction

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English speaking
* History of prior inhalational inductions
* Hearing difficulty
* Behavioral difficulty (Autism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder)
* Patients receiving premedication other than midazolam

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Emergence DeliriumAnesthesiaAdverse EffectAnesthesia induction
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.