Paediatric anaesthesia & critical care
The effect of augmented reality on preoperative anxiety in children and adolescents: A randomized controlled trial
An erratum to this article was published (Paediatr Anaesth, May 2026 ↗)
Authors' conclusion
To our knowledge, this study is the first large randomized controlled trial to provide empirical evidence of reduction in anxiety for children and adolescents using augmented reality prior to induction of general anesthesia.
Study context
- Population
- Children and adolescents aged 5–17 years scheduled for elective day surgery under GA
- Participants
- 37 vs 64
- Comparison
- Augmented reality vs standard care
- Augmented realityn = 37
- Controln = 64reference
- Primary endpoint
- Preoperative anxiety
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Anxiety scores
Augmented reality vs ControlMedian difference (95% CI)P value
At admission; significantly lower in augmented reality group
6.3(0–10.4)
P = 0.01At induction; no difference
−4.2(−5.2-4.2)
P = 0.58Secondary outcomes
Patient satisfaction with augmented reality
- Most augmented reality patients wished to wear the glasses again and were very satisfied
Original publication
The effect of augmented reality on preoperative anxiety in children and adolescents: A randomized controlled trial. Paediatr Anaesth. Published 4 November 2023. doi:10.
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