CINCINNATI — A Cincinnati Children’s nurse practitioner has created a breathing-controlled video game to help young kids relax when it’s time to put on an anesthesia mask.
Abby Hess, a doctor of nursing practice who invented the video game concept, said many young patients become anxious when an anesthesia mask is put on their face. “I wanted to find a way to help kids feel calmer during this high-anxiety moment.”
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Cincinnati Children’s is the first medical center in the United States to test the new product, called EX Induction, according to a release from the hospital.
“The game shifts the focus from something scary to something that’s calming and fun,” Hess said. “It easily engages kids, teaches them to breathe calmly, and lets them know what to expect when they go back to the operating room. Seeing their child engage with the game also helps parents feel at ease and provides them with a novel way to coach their child during the process.”
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The app features cartoon animals that children can move by breathing into a mask. The invention has been licensed to LittleSeed Calming Technologies LLC, which is preparing to release EZ Induction in 2023.
Jeff Penka, CEO of LittleSeed Calming Technologies, noted the major role Hess has played.
“Dr. Hess is a compassionate, driven, and innovative problem-solver,” Penka said. “She has infused that patient-focused spirit and energy into the collaboration between Cincinnati Children’s and LittleSeed Calming Technologies. Seeing how this engaging, fun application puts children and families at ease in an unfamiliar environment is both moving and a source of pride for all involved in its creation.”
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