Innovative Bed Apparatus for Pediatric Pain and Anxiety Relief

This randomized controlled trial included 48 children aged 4-12 years who were hospitalized in the pediatric surgery unit of a tertiary hospital in Istanbul, Turkey, and who underwent an invasive procedure for the first time. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n=24) or control group (n=24) using block randomization based on age and sex. The intervention group received a Multisensory Pediatric Support Device that delivered combined audio (storybook narration), visual (lights), and animated stimuli during the procedure. The control group received standard preoperative and postoperative care. Pain and anxiety were measured using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and the Children's Anxiety Meter State (CAM-S), respectively.

Inclusion criteria

Children aged 4 to 12 years.

Hospitalized in the pediatric surgery ward.

Undergoing an invasive intervention (e.g., intravenous catheter insertion, intramuscular injection, wound care) for the first time during their hospital stay.

Able to communicate and understand simple instructions.

Written informed consent obtained from legal guardians and verbal assent from the child (as appropriate to developmental level).

Exclusion criteria

• Children with cognitive impairments or developmental delays that prevent communication or reliable self-reporting.

Children with previous experience of invasive procedures during the current hospitalization.

Children receiving sedation or pharmacological anxiolytics before the procedure.

Children or legal guardians who refuse to provide informed consent.