Tech toys tested to calm kids' nerves at the hospital
NCT ID NCT06924814
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 19, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study will test whether using technology like virtual reality headsets, tablets with games, or other gadgets can help reduce anxiety and pain in children aged 4 to 17 during minor procedures such as lumbar punctures or heart catheterizations. About 200 kids will be randomly assigned to use a tech distraction or standard care (no tech). Their anxiety and pain levels will be measured before and after the procedure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- technology-based distractions (VR headsets, AR headsets, haptic devices, tablets with games)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a simple, non-drug way to ease anxiety and pain for children during medical procedures.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study with no phase, so results are uncertain. The effect may be small or no better than standard care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Expected to start
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May 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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4 to 17 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Pediatric patient age between 4-17 * English speaking * Parental consent/patient assent * Undergoing minor procedure(s) at LPCH or Stanford Hospital Exclusion Criteria: * Patient does not consent * Legal guardian not present to obtain consent * Patient with a significant neurological condition or major developmental disability * Patient experiencing nausea * Patient with active infection of the face or hand * A history of severe motion sickness * A history of visual problems * A history of seizures caused by flashing light * Major surgery within the last 48 hours * Patients who are clinically unstable or require urgent/emergent intervention * Patient or parental preference for general anesthesia
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford
Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States
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