Summary The aim of this study is to see if storybooks or hand puppets help reduce fear in children before outpatient surgery. Researchers want to find out which of these two methods works better to help children feel calmer and less upset. Why is this study being conducted? Going into surgery can be frightening for children. This research is looking for simple and fun ways to reduce a child's fear without using medication. How will the research be conducted? The study included 99 children (ages 4-7) undergoing outpatient surgery. The children were divided into three equal groups: Group 1 (Control): Received standard hospital care. Group 2 (Storybook): Read an educational book about a character going into surgery. Group 3 (Puppet): Played with a hand puppet before the procedure. Researchers measured the children's fear and emotional responses twice: approximately 1 hour before surgery and immediately before entering the operating room. By comparing these scores, the study shows whether it was the storybook or the puppet that helped the children feel better.
Age range
4 Years – 7 Years
Sex
ALL
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Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Child Fear Scale (CFS) Score
Timeframe: "Baseline (immediately upon hospital admission, approximately 1 hour before surgery) and pre-operative phase (approximately 60 minutes after the first measurement, just before transfer to the operating room)."
Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS) Score
Timeframe: Baseline (immediately upon hospital admission, approximately 1 hour before surgery) and pre-operative phase (approximately 60 minutes after the first measurement, just before transfer to the operating room).