The Effect of Serious Game on the Level of Anxiety, Fear, Knowledge of Hospitalized Children and Level of Anxiety in Their Parents

Abstract

Background: Serious games can be used to increase the knowledge level of hospitalized children and reduce their anxiety levels and fear of medical procedures. Objectives: This randomized controlled study was conducted to examine the effects of the developed serious game on children's anxiety, fear and knowledge levels and their parents' anxiety levels. Methods: For this randomized controlled trial, a pre-test-post-test experimental study method was used, guided by the CONSORT checklist. The sample consisted of 70 children aged 8–12 years and their parents. Sociodemographic Data Collection Form, Fear Scale of Medical Treatment, Clinical Knowledge Form, State-trait Anxiety Inventory for Children and for Adults were used to data collection. Results: As a result of the study, it has been found that serious gaming affects the state and trait anxiety levels, medical treatment fear levels and clinical knowledge levels of hospitalized children aged 8–12 years. It was determined that the state anxiety of the parents of the children participating in the study decreased, their trait anxiety is not affected. Conclusion: In children aged 8–12 years, the use of serious game increased knowledge and decreased anxiety and fear of medical procedures. Larger studies involving parents are needed. Application to practice: Nurses are healthcare professionals who play a key role in managing anxiety through non-pharmacological interventions. Opportunities should be created for nurses to use artificial intelligence in their own initiatives and transfer it to the clinical environment. It is the first Turkish serious game developed by nurses. © 2025 Elsevier Inc.