SIMDiscovery: The Benefits of Utilizing a Simulation Preparation Program for Spinal Fusion Surgery

Boston Children's Hospital

Status: Completed

Conditions: Scoliosis Idiopathic Adolescent

Treatments: Behavioral: SIMDiscovery

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03835390

IRB-P00030717

Details and patient eligibility

About

This is a pilot study aiming to examine preliminary effectiveness of a preparation program which includes simulation (SIMDiscovery) in reducing anxiety and increasing feelings of preparedness among parents and their children who will undergo spinal fusion surgery. SIMDiscovery is an experiential learning preparation program which aims to educate children and families about different medical procedures through simulation play.

Enrollment: 22 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 10 to 18 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Children and adolescents with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and their parent(s)
• Spinal fusion surgery scheduled
• Developmental Age range (10+; no upper age range)
• Males and females of all races and ethnicities
• English-speaking families (although English need not be their primary language)
• Both patient and caregiver (when patient is under 18 years of age) are able to attend SIMDiscovery program

Exclusion criteria

• • Other significant chronic medical conditions (e.g., spina bifida, muscular dystrophy)
• Anterior surgical access
• ICU stay expected post-op
• Cognitive functioning level below 10yo

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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22 participants in 1 patient group

Intervention

Experimental group

Description:

Participants who agree to participate in the SIMDiscovery program will be asked if they would like to participate in the research. If they consent, they will fill out pre- and post-questionnaires concerning quality of life, anxiety levels concerning the surgery, and a knowledge assessment.

Treatment:

Behavioral: SIMDiscovery