Anxiety-Busting App useful for Kids Undergoing Surgery, finds study

Preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing surgery is a common concern that can negatively impact outcomes. Recent study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a smartphone application with video tools in alleviating anxiety in children aged 4-10 scheduled for otorhinolaryngology surgery. The research involved 104 children who were randomly assigned to Group C (standard care) or Group MP (access to the smartphone app). Anxiety levels were measured at specific time points using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale-Short Form. Guardian anxiety was also evaluated, and patient cooperation during mask anesthesia induction was assessed. Results showed that children in Group MP had significantly lower anxiety levels before anesthesia induction compared to Group C. Guardian anxiety at separation was also lower in Group MP. Additionally, patients in Group MP exhibited improved cooperation during mask induction for anesthesia. Overall, the smartphone app with video tools was effective in reducing perioperative anxiety in children and their guardians and enhancing cooperation during anesthesia induction. The study highlighted the impact of preoperative anxiety on pediatric patients and explored the use of smartphone apps as a novel intervention. Previous strategies like premedication and parental presence during induction have limitations. Educational interventions, including video modeling, have shown promise in reducing anxiety. Smartphone apps present a digital platform for delivering educational content efficiently.

Research Methodology

The research methodology adhered to ethical guidelines and included children aged 4-10 scheduled for elective surgical procedures. The smartphone app featured an educational video divided into stages of the perioperative experience. Participants were randomly assigned to groups, and assessments were conducted before anesthesia induction. Findings indicated that the smartphone app significantly reduced anxiety in children and guardians. The app improved pediatric anesthesia behavior during induction. Limitations of the study included the specific focus on ENT surgery and the potential for bias due to lack of blinding of participants.

Concluding Remarks

In conclusion, the smartphone app with video tools effectively mitigated preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing surgery. The app served as a valuable tool for delivering preoperative education and supporting children through the perioperative period. Further research is needed to explore the broader impact of smartphone apps in managing preoperative anxiety in pediatric populations.

Key Points

- A study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a smartphone application with video tools in reducing preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients (aged 4-10) scheduled for otorhinolaryngology surgery.

- 104 children were randomly assigned to receive standard care or access to the smartphone app, and anxiety levels were measured using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale-Short Form.

- Children using the smartphone app had significantly lower anxiety levels before anesthesia induction and displayed improved cooperation during mask induction for anesthesia compared to the standard care group.

- Guardian anxiety levels at separation were also lower in the smartphone app group, indicating that the app benefits not only the children but their guardians as well.

- The study highlighted the importance of addressing preoperative anxiety in pediatric patients and suggested that smartphone apps with video tools could be a novel and effective intervention for anxiety reduction.

- The research methodology involved ethical guidelines, random assignment of participants, and assessment of anxiety levels before anesthesia induction, showing that the smartphone app was successful in reducing anxiety and improving pediatric anesthesia behavior.

Reference –

Yiting Pan et al. (2025). Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Smartphone Application In Reducing Preoperative Anxiety In Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial. *Indian Journal Of Anaesthesia*. https://doi.org/10.4103/ija.ija_526_24.