SuperKid makes it easier: Effect of an intervention prepared with cognitive behavioral technique on reducing fear and pain of children during intravenous insertion

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral SuperKid intervention, in reducing fear and pain among children undergoing intravenous insertion in outpatient services. Design and methodsThis study was designed as a randomized controlled trial, with 96 children aged 5–7 years. SuperKid intervention employed cognitive-behavioral techniques, implemented through a set of prepared cards. Fear was assessed using the Child Fear Scale, while pain status was measured using the Wong Baker Face Pain Scale. Scoring was performed by the mother, child, and researcher. Time series tests were conducted using the Wilks Lambda test. ResultsMost children in both the experimental and control groups reported fear regarding hospital procedures, particularly those involving pain and separation from their mothers. However, children in the experimental group who underwent the SuperKid intervention during and after IV insertion procedure experienced significantly less fear and pain than those in the control group. ConclusionsSuperKid intervention was found to be effective in reducing the procedural fear and pain of children undergoing intravenous insertion in outpatient services. The utilization of cognitive-behavioral techniques through a set of prepared cards provides an accessible and engaging means of alleviating negative emotional experiences among children undergoing medical/nursing procedures. Practice implicationsSuperKid intervention can potentially improve children's attitudes toward medical care and make future procedures easier for them. Healthcare providers could consider incorporating cognitive-behavioral interventions, such as the SuperKid intervention, into their clinical practice to reduce the fear and pain experienced by children during medical/nursing procedures.