The effectiveness of the robotic game kit on anxiety among hospitalized preschool children: A non-randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background & Aim: Hospitalization is a challenging experience all children go through in their lives, leading to their utmost anxiety. In this sense, interactive games and activities can help ease this psychological burden. Therefore, we endeavored to determine the effectiveness of a robotic game kit (RGK) on the anxiety of hospitalized preschoolers.
 Methods & Materials: This non-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in a pediatric hospital, Iran, between March and July 2019. 59 participants were assigned to intervention (n=30) or control (n=29) groups through available sampling. Inclusion criteria were Iranian native children aged 3-7 years with communication ability. The RGK was applied in eight sessions at least seven consecutive days of hospitalization. The collected data by using the demographic information form and the preschool anxiety scale (PAS) were analyzed in descriptive, chi-square, t-test, the one-way ANCOVA (analysis of covariance), and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
 Results: Two groups were homogenous in terms of demographic variables (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the mean score of PAS before the intervention in the intervention 46.33±15.81 and control groups 37.24±19.65 (p=0.055). However, the mean score of PAS in the intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (P=0.030). Also, using the RGK was effective in two subscales related to separation anxiety and physical injury fears (P=0.034).
 Conclusion: The modern RGKs could have a significant place in pediatric health care in hospitals. It is thus an undeniable fact that high-quality, comprehensive care can be boosted through RGK based interventions for children encountering stressful situations.

Caregiver Views on Prospective Use of Robotic Care in Helping Children Adapt to Hospitalization

“…Robots that employ game elements have an emotionally supportive effect on children. Pourteimour and Kazemi [ 29 ] showed that, when preschool children were hospitalized, a robotic game kit could be used to lower the children’s separation anxiety and fears of physical injury.…”

Bermain Edukatif Ular Tangga Mampu Mengatasi Kecemasan pada Anak Hospitalisasi

“…Salah satu dampak hospitalisasi pada anak adalah kecemasan. Kecemasan pada anak dapat menimbulkan perilaku negatif seperti menangis, agresif, negatif, sehingga dapat menghambat dan memperlambat proses pengobatan sehingga berdampak pada kesembuhan anak (Pourteimour & Kazemi, 2021). Terapi bermain merupakan terapi yang efektif dalam mengatasi masalah dampak hospitalisasi pada anak (Godino-Iáñez et al, 2020).…”

Educational Play Snakes and Stairs Can Overcome Anxiety in Children's Hospitalization

“…One of the effects of hospitalization on children is anxiety. Anxiety in children can cause negative behavior such as crying, aggression, and antagonism, inhibiting and slowing down the treatment and medication process that impacts the child's recovery (Pourteimour & Kazemi, 2021). Play therapy is effective in overcoming the impact of hospitalization on children (Godino-Iáñez et al, 2020).…”