Family-centered care to reduce emergency delirium in children after surgery

Effect of Family-centred Perioperative Care for Anaesthesia on Incidence of Emergency Delirium in Children After Surgery: a Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University · NCT06092671

This study tests if having family members involved during surgery can help young children aged 2-6 experience less confusion and distress when waking up from anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment444 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Wenzhou, Zhejiang)
Trial IDNCT06092671 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of family-centered perioperative care for anesthesia (FPCA) in reducing the incidence of emergence delirium (ED) in children aged 2-6 years undergoing elective surgery. The trial compares FPCA with routine anesthesia practices to determine if involving family members during the perioperative period can lead to better outcomes. Emergence delirium is a common complication that can result in longer hospital stays and increased healthcare costs, making this intervention potentially significant for pediatric care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 2-6 years who are undergoing elective surgery with a surgical duration of no longer than 2 hours and are receiving their first general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with significant organ diseases, developmental delays, or those unsuitable for inhalation anesthesia will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the occurrence of emergency delirium in children after surgery, leading to improved recovery experiences and reduced healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the specific approach of FPCA, similar studies focusing on family involvement in pediatric care have shown promising results in improving postoperative outcomes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

1. Children aged 2-6 years undergoing elective surgery with an estimated surgical duration of no longer than 2 hours;
2. Receiving first general anaesthesia by inhalation, and American Society of Anaesthesiology (ASA) physical status I to II;
3. A parent signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Suffering important organ diseases;
2. History of developmental retardation, neuropsychiatric diseases, psychological or cognitive impairment;
3. History of severe hearing or visual impairment;
4. Children are not suitable for inhalation anaesthesia considered by the researchers;
5. The parent involving in this trial spends less than three months a year with the child;
6. The parent is not competent for companionship considered by the researchers;
7. Neither father nor mother is able to participate in the screening interview and the trial.

Where this trial is running

Wenzhou, Zhejiang

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 Postoperative ComplicationsChildFamilyEmergence DeliriumGeneral AnaesthesiaPerioperative Careperioperative careemergency delirium
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.