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Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Enhanced Social Robots to Improve Children's Healthcare Experiences

Pain | Distress

We are trying to find better ways to help children who need to have a medical procedure done that may cause them pain and anxiety. One thing we can do to help a child is distraction. This helps to take their attention away from the source of the pain and anxiety. Some examples of distraction include watching videos, listening to music or stories, playing with toys. In this study, we are trying to understand if distraction using a robot can help take a child’s attention away from the anxiety and pain of having an intravenous (IV) insertion.

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Participation Requirements

  • Sex:

    Any

  • Eligible Ages:

    5 to 11

Participation Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:
Children will be included if they
(a) are 5 to 11 years of age; 
(b) require an IV insertion, and
(c) will receive topical anesthetic (numbing cream or freezing spray) for their IV insertion.
Exclusion Criteria:
Children will be excluded if they
(a) need immediate IV insertion;
(b) are unconscious or not fully alert;
(c) have visual or auditory impairments;
(d) have neurocognitive delays or mental health issues;
(e) have sensory impairment to pain (ex. spina bifida);
(f) have a language barrier;
(g) are not accompanied by a parent/legal guardian;
(h) have been previously enrolled in the same study; or
(i) any other reason that their doctor/nurse feels they should not participate.

Study Location

University of Alberta
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Contact Study Team

Primary Contact

Dr. Samina Ali

[email protected]
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Study Sponsored By
University of Alberta
Participants Required
More Information
Study ID: Pro00097697