Effects of Interactive Toys and Robots on Anxiety and Fear in Children Receiving Nebulized Inhalation in the Pediatric Emergency Department

In the researchers' words

Pediatric emergency services are of critical importance for pediatric patients admitted due to sudden illnesses and traumas. However, these environments are serious sources of stress and anxiety for children due to reasons such as uncertainty, pain, and separation anxiety. The emergency service experience can have long-term effects on the child's psychological state and negatively affect the success of medical interventions. Therefore, the development and implementation of various methods to reduce children's anxiety has become a great necessity. In recent years, interactive toys and robotic systems have been increasingly used in medical settings to reduce children's anxiety. Such technological tools have been shown to provide emotional support to children, reduce stress levels by distracting them, and make medical procedures more tolerable. However, there is not enough evidence-based research on the effectiveness of interactive toys and robots, especially in emergency settings, during common but frightening procedures such as nebulized inhalation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of interactive toys and robots on anxiety and fear in children receiving nebulized inhalation treatment in pediatric emergency services. This study, which will be conducted using a randomized controlled design, will make a significant contribution to understanding and improving children's…