Effects of Robotic Pet and Video-Based Distraction on Pain, Fear, and Anxiety in Children During Venipuncture

Summary

The goal of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of robotic pet and video-based distraction on pain, fear, and anxiety in children aged 5-10 years undergoing venipuncture. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does robotic pet distraction reduce pain, fear, and anxiety in children during venipuncture?
* Does video-based distraction reduce pain, fear, and anxiety in children during venipuncture?
* Are there differences in pain, fear, and anxiety among children receiving robotic pet distraction, video-based distraction, and routine care?

Children who met the eligibility criteria were randomly assigned to one of three groups the robotic pet group, video-based distraction group, or control group using simple randomization. The randomization sequence was computer-generated using RANDOM.ORG and prepared by an independent statistician. The uploaded randomization record confirms that a random sequence of participant numbers from 1 to 81 was generated. Allocation concealment was maintained using sequentially numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes, which were opened after each participant was enrolled in the study.

Participants:

Robotic pet group: interacted with a robotic pet as a distraction intervention during venipuncture.

Video-based distraction group: watched an animal video as a distraction intervention during venipuncture.

Control group: received routine care during venipuncture without an additional distraction intervention.

Researchers compared the three groups to determine the effects of robotic pet and video-based distraction on children's pain, fear, and anxiety during venipuncture.

Conditions

• Procedural Pain
• Anxiety
• Procedural Fear in Children

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Robotic Pet-Based Distraction

Children assigned to the robotic pet group interacted with a robotic pet as a non-pharmacological distraction intervention during the venipuncture procedure. The robotic pet was introduced to the child before the procedure, and the child was allowed to interact with it before, during, and immediately after venipuncture. The intervention was designed to redirect the child's attention from the procedure and reduce procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety.

BEHAVIORAL

Video-Based Distraction

Children assigned to the video-based distraction group watched an animal video as a non-pharmacological visual and auditory distraction intervention. The video was presented before, during, and immediately after the venipuncture procedure to redirect the child's attention from the procedure and reduce procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Akdeniz University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Bahar Aksoy, PhD · https://kumlucasbf.akdeniz.edu.tr/tr

• Edanur Tar Bolacali, PhD · https://www.ahievran.edu.tr/

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

5 Years

Max Age

10 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-07-13

Primary Completion

2026-08-07

Completion

2026-08-07

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations