Preparation of the Pediatric Patient Before Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Healthcare professionals have developed preoperative preparation programs that include methods such as short films, videos, picture books, play activities, and surgical room tours to help children cope with surgical procedures and reduce negative reactions. These methods are low-cost, minimally invasive, have a minimal risk of adverse effects, and are continuously and widely applicable to various diseases. Studies indicate that animated videos used to distract children's attention before surgery reduce preoperative anxiety (Özyılmaz et al., 2024; Yang et al., 2022) and increase compliance during surgery (Yang et al., 2022).

This study aimed to determine the effect of an animated film shown through virtual reality (VR) glasses before cardiac catheterization on children's pre-procedure anxiety and fear levels and post-procedure pain. H1: Animated films viewed through virtual reality glasses reduce procedure-related anxiety in children.

H2: Animated films viewed through virtual reality glasses reduce procedure-related fear in children.

H3: Animated films viewed through virtual reality glasses reduce procedure-related pain in children.

Prior to the cardiac catheterization procedure, the researcher administered the Individual Assessment Form and the Children's Fear Scale to the children and had them complete the Children's Anxiety Scale-State Scale. One hour before the procedure, the children were shown the animated film "Super Heart Team: Ready for Action" using virtual reality glasses. After the animated film was shown to the child, the Child Anxiety Scale-State (CAS-D) was administered, and the Child Fear Scale was assessed by the researcher. Thirty minutes after the cardiac catheterization procedure was completed and the child returned to the children's ward, the researcher evaluated the Child Fear Scale and Wong Baker Facial Pain Scale and had the child complete the Child Anxiety Scale-State.