Using an animated video to reduce preoperative anxiety in children having ear surgery

Exploring the Effects of an Informative Animated Video on Preoperative Anxiety in Children Undergoing Elective Otoplasty and Their Parents

Not applicable Interventional IWK Health Centre · NCT05894187

This study tests if showing an animated video to kids the day before ear surgery can help reduce their anxiety about the procedure.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
SponsorIWK Health Centre Academic / other
Locations1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Trial IDNCT05894187 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of an animated video shown to children one day before elective otoplasty in reducing preoperative anxiety. It is a randomized, single-blind controlled trial where participants are divided into two groups: one that views the video and one that does not. The primary outcome measured will be the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) score at the time of anesthesia induction. The study aims to determine if the video can significantly lower anxiety levels in pediatric patients undergoing this procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4 to 12 who are scheduled for elective otoplasty without any other concurrent procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone otoplasty or are outside the age range of 4 to 12 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety in children undergoing elective otoplasty, leading to a more positive surgical experience.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that preoperative education and anxiety-reducing interventions can be effective, suggesting this approach may also yield positive results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* They are undergoing an otoplasty alone with no other procedures on the same day
* The patient must not have previously undergone an otoplasty; the patient must be between the ages of 4 and 12;
* The patient must understand spoken English;
* The participating parent must be able to read English at a grade six level; and the patient should not have received premedication.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under the age of 4 or over the age of 12
* Have not undergone a previous otoplasty

Where this trial is running

Halifax, Nova Scotia

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 Pre-operative AnxietyOtoplastyPaediatric Surgeryotoplastypre-operative anxietyanimated video
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.