Puppets and squeeze toys may ease IV fear for young cancer patients
NCT ID NCT07493018
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether using a hand puppet or a squeeze toy can reduce fear and emotional distress in children aged 6-10 with blood cancer or other cancers when they get an IV. Ninety children will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: hand puppet, squeeze toy, or standard care. Researchers will measure fear, emotional expression, how long the procedure takes, and whether the IV is placed on the first try.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- hand puppet and squeeze toy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could give hospitals a simple, drug-free way to help children with cancer feel less scared during IV placements.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 90 children, so results may not apply to all kids. The techniques might not reduce fear or improve procedure success significantly.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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