Puppets and cartoons: a new way to soothe kids during needles?

NCT ID NCT07237074

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Hitit University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether showing finger puppets or cartoons to children aged 3-6 before a blood draw can lower their pain and fear. About 120 children will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: finger puppets, cartoons, or standard care (no extra distraction). Researchers will measure pain using a faces scale and fear with a special children's fear scale. The goal is to find a simple, non-medical way to improve kids' experience during medical procedures.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: finger puppets and cartoons
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give hospitals a simple, drug-free way to ease pain and fear in young children during blood draws.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 120 children. Results may not apply to all kids or settings, and the effect might be small.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

FEAR PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Hitit University Erol Olçok Education and Research Hospital

Çorum, Merkez, 19200, Turkey (Türkiye)

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