Incentives for Reducing Anxiety During Medical Procedures

This trial explores whether incentives, such as prizes, can reduce anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures. Researchers aim to determine if these incentives lessen anxiety and identify the most effective way to offer them. There are three groups: one receives standard support, another receives an incentive contingent on following certain rules, and the last receives an incentive freely. Children who frequently experience anxiety about medical procedures and receive support from a child life specialist during their procedure might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to potentially benefit from innovative anxiety-reducing strategies.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that offering rewards can help reduce anxiety, especially in children. One study found that non-drug methods, such as giving rewards, effectively lowered anxiety in kids during medical procedures and improved their cooperation. This suggests that offering rewards might safely help children feel less anxious when they need medical care.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how incentives can help reduce anxiety during medical procedures, which is a novel approach compared to standard anxiety management techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy or medication. This trial examines the impact of combining child life standard care with incentives that are given either conditionally or unconditionally. The unique aspect of this approach is the use of incentives to potentially enhance patient cooperation and comfort, which could make medical procedures less stressful, especially for young patients. If successful, this could offer a simple, non-pharmacological strategy to improve patient experiences during medical visits.

Research has shown that offering rewards can help reduce anxiety during medical procedures. In this trial, participants will experience different incentive approaches. One group will receive the child life standard of care with conditional incentives, while another group will receive the standard of care with unconditional incentives. Studies have found that rewards can encourage adherence to mental health treatments and lead to better outcomes. For example, financial rewards have been linked to noticeable improvements in treatment participation. Additionally, offering rewards has been associated with better responses in conditions like depression and pain. These findings suggest that rewards could effectively ease anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰