L-WebTIPS for Postoperative Pain in Children

This trial focuses on reducing anxiety and pain after surgery in Latinx children using a culturally adapted mobile health tool called L-WebTIPS. The goal is to determine if this tool can help Latinx children and their families feel less anxious and experience less pain after outpatient surgery. The trial compares L-WebTIPS to a standard information tool to evaluate which one is more effective. Eligible participants are Latinx children ages 2 to 7, who speak Spanish as their primary language, and are scheduled for outpatient surgery.

As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for families to contribute to research that could enhance post-surgery experiences for Latinx children.

The trial requires that children who are taking psychotropic or pain medications that affect emotion modulation be excluded, so if your child is on such medications, they would not be eligible to participate.

Research has shown that web-based mobile health programs, like L-WebTIPS, are generally safe and helpful. They can reduce anxiety before surgery and increase parental satisfaction with their child's care. Previous studies have not identified any major safety issues with these programs.

L-WebTIPS is a version of the existing program WebTIPS, initially tested with mostly White non-Latinx children, which showed good results in reducing anxiety and pain. L-WebTIPS has been adapted with input from Latinx communities to better meet their needs.

Since this trial tests an app, no drugs are involved, typically resulting in fewer side effects or risks. The main goal is to help children feel less anxious and manage pain better after surgery by providing information and teaching coping skills through the app.

Researchers are excited about L-WebTIPS because it offers a novel way to manage postoperative pain in children without medication. Unlike traditional treatments that rely on drugs like opioids or NSAIDs, L-WebTIPS is a digital tool designed to provide cognitive and psychological support, potentially reducing the need for pharmaceuticals. This method could minimize side effects associated with medication and improve recovery experiences for young patients.

Research has shown that online tools like WebTIPS can reduce anxiety in children before surgery and increase parental satisfaction. Early results suggest that WebTIPS lowers anxiety and pain by providing information, examples, and coping strategies. This tool is available at all times, allowing families to prepare for surgery and manage recovery. In this trial, participants will receive either L-WebTIPS, a version specially designed for Latinx children to make the content more relatable and effective, or L-WebINFO, which serves as a control. This adaptation aims to better meet the needs of Latinx children and their families.¹²⁴⁶⁷