Using incentives to help children during medical procedures

Use of Incentives for Children Undergoing Stressful Medical Procedures

Not applicable Interventional Children's Hospital Colorado · NCT06254898

This study tests whether giving kids rewards during medical procedures can help reduce their anxiety and make the experience less stressful.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment187 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorChildren's Hospital Colorado Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06254898 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of incentives in reducing anxiety among pediatric patients undergoing medical procedures. It involves providing support from a child life specialist and offering incentives either conditionally or unconditionally after the procedure. The study will measure the anxiety levels of participants during the procedure and compare those who received incentives to those who did not. The goal is to determine the best approach to using incentives to minimize distress in children.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 17 years who are undergoing a medical procedure and are supported by a certified child life specialist.

Not a fit: Patients younger than 6 years old or those with cognitive impairments that affect their ability to participate may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and improve the experience of children undergoing medical procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results in using incentives to reduce anxiety in pediatric populations, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients and parent of patients aged 6-100 years who are undergoing a medical procedure
* Patients and parent of patients who are prepared and supported by a certified child life specialist.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive impairment that negates the use of the outcome tools
* Children younger than 6 years old, or older than 17 years old.

Where this trial is running

Aurora, Colorado and 2 other locations

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 Healthypediatricschild lifemedical procedures
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.