Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effects of a therapeutic play involving a hand puppet on the fear and pain associated with blood collection procedure in preschool children. Design and methodsThe research was conducted as a randomised controlled experiment. The sample included children aged 3–6 years who attended the blood collection unit between July and October 2022 and met the study's inclusion criteria. The research was completed with a total of 120 children, divided evenly into one of two groups. The nursing intervention of the research was a therapeutic play applied with a hand puppet. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a Questionnaire Form, the Child Fear Scale and the Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. Ethical principles were followed in the research. ResultsDifferences between mean fear and pain level scores between the groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). ConclusionsThe therapeutic play applied with a hand puppet reduced the level of fear and pain associated with the blood collection process. Practice implicationsHealth professionals working in units related to paediatrics can use hand puppets, which are easy to use, inexpensive and practical, to reduce the fear and pain associated with blood collection from pre-school children.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.