Therapeutic toy doll used before intramuscular injections to calm young children.

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled study at the Emergency Department of Atatürk University Research Hospital in Erzurum will assign children to an intervention group that uses a therapeutic toy doll before an intramuscular injection or to a control group receiving routine care. Eligible children are ages 4–6 who have been prescribed Desefin flk 1x1 IM and whose parents consent, with exclusions for recent analgesic use, chronic illness, sensory or communication barriers, prior hospitalization, and current pain. Outcomes measured before and after the procedure include the Children's Fear Scale (CFS), Children's Anxiety Scale-State (CAS-D), and the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, plus demographic information. The therapeutic doll is intended to familiarize children with the injection process through play so the real injection causes less distress.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 4-6 years,
* Those who will receive intramuscular injections,
* Those who have been prescribed Desefin flk 1x1 IM,
* Children whose parents have given consent will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those experiencing pain,
* Those with hearing problems and communication barriers,
* Those with chronic illnesses,
* Those with mental and physical disabilities,
* Those who have taken analgesics within the last 6 hours,
* Children who have previously been hospitalised will not be included in the study.

Where it's running

• Ataturk University Nursing of Faculty
  Erzurum, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.