Virtual Reality for Pediatric Perioperative Preparation

Summary

This pilot randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether a virtual reality (VR) preparation program can improve the perioperative experience of children aged 3 to 12 years undergoing elective surgery. Children scheduled for surgery at HM Hospital in Madrid, Spain, will be randomly assigned to receive either a VR-based educational experience (NixiKit) or the standard preoperative preparation routinely provided by nursing staff.

The VR intervention includes an immersive virtual tour of the preoperative area, operating room, and recovery room, designed to familiarize children with the surgical process in an age-appropriate manner. The control group will receive the usual verbal explanation and support provided by nurses before surgery.

The study will assess children's fear, preoperative anxiety, cooperation during anesthesia induction, and postoperative pain. Parents' experience and satisfaction with care will also be evaluated. The results of this pilot study will help determine the feasibility and potential effectiveness of VR as a nursing-led preparation strategy for pediatric surgical patients.

Conditions

• Preoperative Anxiety
• Fear
• Pediatric Surgery
• Preoperative Care

Interventions

DEVICE

NixiKit Virtual Reality Preparation

Participants assigned to the intervention group will receive a virtual reality-based preoperative preparation program using the NixiKit system (Nixi for Children). The intervention consists of an immersive 360-degree virtual tour delivered through a pediatric virtual reality headset connected to a smartphone. The experience guides children through the perioperative journey, including the preoperative area, operating room, and recovery room, using age-appropriate narration and storytelling designed to familiarize them with the surgical environment and procedures. The virtual experience lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes and is delivered during hospital admission before elective surgery. In addition to the virtual reality experience, participants receive the standard components of the NixiKit package, including educational and supportive materials intended to reinforce preparation for surgery.

BEHAVIORAL

Standard Nursing Preoperative Preparation

Participants assigned to the control group will receive the standard preoperative preparation routinely provided by nursing staff. This preparation includes a verbal explanation of the perioperative process, including transfer to the preoperative area, operating room procedures, anesthesia induction, and postoperative recovery, as well as the opportunity for children and their parents to ask questions and receive clarification about the surgical process.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fundación de investigación HM

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

3 Years

Max Age

12 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-07-01

Primary Completion

2027-01-01

Completion

2027-04-01