Tablets beat pills: study tests games over drugs for anxious kids
NCT ID NCT02192710
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compared using an electronic tablet with age-appropriate games versus the sedative midazolam to reduce anxiety in children before outpatient surgery. 118 children aged 4 to 10 were randomly assigned to either play on a tablet or take midazolam. Researchers measured anxiety levels at key moments, like when separating from parents and during anesthesia mask induction.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
midazolam (Hypnovel®)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a non-drug way to calm children before surgery, avoiding side effects of medication.
What could go wrong
This is a small, single-center study with only 118 children, so results may not apply to all hospitals or surgeries. The tablet's effect may vary by child.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Service d'anesthésie, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon
Bron, 69500, France