Clown-themed preparation program reduces preoperative anxiety in preschool surgery patients
An early-phase randomized controlled trial at a single Chinese hospital enrolled 128 preschool children scheduled for elective surgery. The experimental group received a multicomponent perioperative preparation program incorporating culturally familiar clown-themed components, while the control group received routine nursing care. Anxiety was measured using the Simplified Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale at three time points: pre-intervention (T0), post-intervention (T1), and during anesthesia induction (T2).
The study found no significant differences between groups in baseline characteristics like gender, age, or surgical approach. However, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower anxiety scores than the control group at both T1 and T2. Specific p-values, effect sizes, and absolute score numbers for these anxiety outcomes were not reported in the provided data, though statistical significance was indicated with P < 0.05. Secondary outcomes included anesthetic procedural pain, anesthesia compliance, and heart rate, but results for these were not detailed.
No safety or tolerability data, including adverse events or discontinuations, were reported. The study's funding and conflicts of interest were also not reported. A key limitation is that the study period extends from November 2024 to July 2025, meaning these results may be preliminary or from a preprint. The authors suggest the program provides an evidence-based non-pharmacological strategy, but generalizability beyond the specific hospital and cultural context is uncertain. Long-term effects and comparisons with pharmacological interventions were not assessed.
More on Preoperative Anxiety
View Original Abstract ↓
Standardized formal resuscitation training likely reduces neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries compared to no training or basic training.
A Simple Training Program Is Saving Newborn Lives in Poor Countries
Related in Pediatrics
From Other Specialties
