The effect of augmented reality on preoperative anxiety in children and adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. Comments on Chamberland et al.

Ooi, Kristina; Weale, Jonathan

A study published in the journal Pediatric Anesthesia examined the use of augmented reality (AR) in reducing preoperative anxiety in children undergoing elective surgery. The study found that AR was effective in reducing postoperative anxiety. However, the authors noted that the abstract of the study contradicted the results presented in the main body of the manuscript. They also highlighted the high dropout rate in the AR arm of the trial and suggested that an intention-to-treat analysis including all AR groups would have been more appropriate. The authors questioned the clinical significance of the reduction in anxiety scores and suggested that other non-pharmacological interventions, such as cartoons or preoperative preparation courses, may also be effective in reducing preoperative anxiety.

RANDOMIZED controlled trials; AUGMENTED reality; ANXIETY; TEENAGERS

Pediatric Anesthesia, 2024, Vol 34, Issue 5, p482

1155-5645

Academic Journal

10.1111/pan.14853