Using a new auditory application to help distract children during medical procedures
A Novel Auditory Application for Distraction in Pediatric Patients: A Pilot Feasibility and Acceptability Study
NA · Stanford University · NCT06922032
This study is testing a new audio app called Mystic Pets to see if it can help distract children and make them feel more comfortable during medical procedures.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stanford University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Palo Alto, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06922032 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility of Mystic Pets, a novel auditory application designed to distract pediatric patients experiencing emotional distress during medical procedures. By utilizing a head-mounted device and hand-gesture inputs, the application allows children to maintain visual contact with their surroundings while engaging in gameplay through audio input. The research aims to provide early-stage data on this immersive technology, which could enhance patient comfort and reduce the need for pharmacological interventions. The study will also establish benchmarks for engagement and usability to inform future developments in digital therapeutics for pediatric care.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking children aged 4 to 17 who are hospitalized and experiencing emotional distress.
Not a fit: Patients who have hearing impairments, significant neurological conditions, or major developmental disabilities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the emotional well-being of hospitalized children during medical procedures.
How similar studies have performed: While immersive technology for distraction has shown promise, this specific approach using audio input and maintaining visual contact is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between 4-17 years * English speaking participants Exclusion Criteria: * Legal guardian not present to obtain consent * Child with hearing impairment * Child with a significant neurological condition, or major developmental disability * Child with facial abnormalities or injuries prohibiting use of headsets * Nausea at the time of recruitment, * A history of severe motion sickness, * A history of seizures
Where this trial is running
Palo Alto, California
- Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford — Palo Alto, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Thomas Caruso, MD, PhD
- Email: tjcaruso@stanford.edu
- Phone: 6504970927
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Emotional Distress, Game engagement, Awe, Procedural Distraction