Prizes for bravery: study tests if rewards ease kids' procedure anxiety

NCT ID NCT06254898

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Jennifer Staab, MS, CCLS Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether offering a prize after a medical procedure can reduce anxiety in children aged 6-17. About 187 kids will get standard support from a child life specialist, and some will also be offered a prize if they meet a coping goal. Researchers will compare anxiety levels between the two groups to see if incentives help.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: incentive prize
What this could lead to: If it works, this could give hospitals a simple, low-cost way to help children feel less anxious during procedures.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study. The effect may be small or not apply to all children. Anxiety is subjective and hard to measure.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEALTHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Children's Hospital Colorado Anschutz

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States
Children's Hospital Colorado North Campus

Broomfield, Colorado, 80023, United States
Children's Hospital Colorado South Campus

Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 80129, United States

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