A Single Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Efficacy of a Pediatric Interactive Relational Agent vs. Standard Preoperative Education

The purpose of this study is to determine the efficacy of enhanced preoperative education using a Pediatric Interactive Relational Agent (PIRA), designed for children aged 4 through 10 years and their families, compared to the standard preoperative education currently provided. Specifically, the study aimed to evaluate differences in parent/child preoperative anxiety, and child experience with emergence from anesthesia. A secondary aim was to evaluate the child's and the parent's access and utilization the Pediatric Interactive Relational Agent as well as parental satisfaction and difficulties with the tool.

This summary is a change from the original study/title where the secondary aim (from the original submission) is now the primary aim of the study and the primary aim (from the original submission) is now the secondary aim. This change was made following the first revision of the manuscript by the Editor in Chief and two separate reviewers. The manuscript was then rejected after a second review despite agreeing to reverse the primary and secondary outcomes as suggested by the reviewers. The Editor in Chief rejected this second submission stating that the newest revision (second revision) was not consistent with my original submission to ClinicalTrials.org. I am interested in submitting this manuscript to another journal yet wanted the changes to be updated in ClinicalTrials.org before resubmission.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Parents (age 18+) and their children, ages 4 through 10 years old, who are undergoing general anesthesia and elective, outpatient ORL surgery at BCH Waltham
* American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I or II
* Both parents and their children must be fluent in English

Exclusion Criteria:

* Parents without reliable internet access through a tablet or computer
* Parents of children with diagnosed developmental delays
* Parents who have children who have had previous surgical history under general anesthesia
* Parents of children involved in other anesthesia-related studies at BCH