Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of humanoid robot-based distraction for venipuncture pain in children.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Intravenous insertion (IVI) is a very common procedure in the emergency department (ED). IVI is often painful and stressful for both children and their families. Currently, distraction therapy is not used as a standard of care for IVI in North America. We propose that interaction with a humanoid robot may effectively distract children during IVI thereby reducing their pain and distress.

Methods and analysis

This randomised controlled superiority trial will be conducted in a Canadian paediatric ED. We plan to recruit 80 patients. Children will be eligible if they (1) are 6 to 11 years of age, (2) need an IVI, (3) are fully conscious and alert, (4) have sufficient knowledge of the English language to understand and complete the study assessments and (5) are accomp

SUBMITTER: Ali S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6303653 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature