VR preparation for kids before surgery

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 pilot randomized trial compares a VR-based preoperative program (NixiKit) to standard nurse-led preparation in children aged 3 to 12 undergoing elective surgery at HM Hospital Madrid. The study measures fear, preoperative anxiety, cooperation during anesthesia induction, and postoperative pain, plus parent satisfaction. It aims to determine feasibility and potential benefits of using immersive VR to improve the perioperative experience in a real-world clinical setting. Prior evidence suggests VR may reduce anxiety, but its effectiveness against routine preparation requires confirmation in this context.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Children aged 3 to 12 years.
* Scheduled for elective surgery under anesthesia.
* Parent or legal guardian owns a mobile phone.
* Ability to understand simple instructions, according to clinical judgment and developmental level.
* Sufficient Spanish language proficiency of the child and at least one parent or legal guardian.
* Written informed consent from parents or legal guardians and child assent when applicable.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency or urgent surgery.
* Moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder or intellectual disability limiting understanding of the intervention or study scales.
* Severe visual or hearing impairment preventing use of virtual reality.
* History of photosensitive epilepsy, severe vertigo, severe motion sickness, or other conditions that could worsen with virtual reality.
* Severe decompensated psychiatric disorder.
* Use of intense sedative premedication before baseline assessment that prevents evaluation of preoperative anxiety.

Where it's running

• Hospital HM Puerta del Sur
  Madrid, Mujer, Spain Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Cayetana Ruiz Zaldibar, Dr
• Email: crzaldibar@ucjc.edu
• Phone: 695829472

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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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.