Children's Fear Scale Research Articles

The effect of vibrating cold application and puppet use on pain and fear during phlebotomy in children: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundNon-pharmacological methods are often used as a creative strategy to reduce pain and fear in children during a painful procedure such as phlebotomy. ObjectivesThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bee Buzzy and puppet use on pain and fear during phlebotomy in children. MethodsThis randomized controlled study was conducted in the pediatric phlebotomy unit of a university hospital. The CONSORT checklist was used in this study. The sample of 3–6 years children (n = 105) was divided into groups by block randomization. Children's pain and fear scores were evaluated with the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale and Children's Fear Scale by the parents and the nurse who attempted phlebotomy during phlebotomy. ResultsA statistically significant difference was found between the Bee Buzzy and puppet and Bee Buzzy and control groups in pain scores (p < .05). Pain scores were lower in the Bee Buzzy group than in the puppet and control groups. A statistical difference was found between Bee Buzzy and the control group or puppet and control group according to all fear scores (p < .05). Fear scores were lower in the Bee Buzzy and puppet group (p < .05). ConclusionsThe results show that the use of Bee Buzzy during phlebotomy has a pain-relieving effect, and the use of Bee Buzzy and puppet has an anti-fear effect in 3–6-year-old children. Implications for practicesThe use of Bee-Buzzy and puppets is effective in reducing pain and fear in children as they increase effective communication and distract attention.Clinical Trial Registration: National Institutes of Health (NIH), ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05827783.

Effect of therapeutic play using a toy nebulizer and toy mask on a child's fear and anxiety levels

PurposeThis study aimed to examine the effect of therapeutic play using a toy nebulizer and mask before inhaler treatment on children's fear and anxiety levels in a pediatric emergency department. Design and methodThis randomized controlled clinical trial included 84 children aged 3–8 years who were admitted to the pediatric emergency department with respiratory system disease. This study was registered in the Clinical Trials database.Therapeutic play was applied to the children in the therapeutic play group with a toy nebulizer, toy mask, and amigurumi doll, after which the children received treatment with these devices. The children in the control group received nebular treatment using a standard nebulizer and a mask. The children were required to answer the ‘Children's Fear Scale’ (CFS) and ‘Children's Anxiety Metre–State’ (CAMS) before and after treatment. ResultsFear and anxiety levels were significantly lower in the therapeutic play group than in the control group (p = 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding acceptance of the mask used during treatment and adaptation to the treatment (p = 0.001). ConclusionsTherapeutic play with a toy nebulizer and mask effectively reduced fear of hospitals and related anxiety in children. Practice implicationsPlaying therapeutic play with a toy nebulizer and toy mask during nebulization is a promising strategy to reduce children's fear and anxiety.

Effectiveness of Virtual Reality Distraction on Pain Perception and Fear among Children with Cancer Undergoing IV Cannulation.

Cancer children are subjected to multiple cannulations during hospitalization. Pain and fear are most common during invasive procedures that are performed, especially IV cannulation, which can lead to worry. Exactly 25% of children are reported to have a fear of needle-related procedures. To examine the impact of virtual reality (VR) distraction on pain perception and fear in children with cancer undergoing IV cannulation. Using a quasi-experimental design, 80 cancer children with IV cannulation between ages 7-18 were recruited to the intervention and control group (N = 40 + 40) using the purposive sampling technique. The virtual reality distraction device was used 10 min before the peripheral IV cannulation procedure and remained in place until the procedure was completed in the intervention group, and no device was used in the control group. Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale and Children's Fear Scale were used to assess the pain and fear of children and their mothers. Pain perception was found to be significantly lower in the VR distraction group among both children and mothers (1.82 ± 0.18, 8.01 ± 3.21) 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.82, 2.16] compared to the control group, respectively (P = 0.001**). Fear was found to be significantly lower in the VR distraction group among both children and mothers (0.81 ± 0.71, 3.01 ± 1.42) 95% CI [0.46, 0.91]. A strong positive correlation was found between children's and mothers' pain perception (r = 0.91, P = 0.001**) and fear (r = 0.84, P = 0.001**). VR distraction can be used as an effective device in pain and fear management among children undergoing IV cannulation.

The effect of buzzy®, DistrACTION® cards on reducing pediatric pain and fear during blood collection in the rheumatology polyclinic: A randomized controlled trial

PurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Buzzy® and DistrACTION® Cards in reducing children's pain and fear while taking venous blood samples. MethodsThis research was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of children aged 6–12 years admitted to the Pediatric Rheumatology Diseases Polyclinic in a Faculty of Medicine in Germany. The sample of the study consisted of 96 children (Buzzy® = 32, DistrACTION® Cards = 32, control = 32) who met the patient selection criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The data were obtained using a Child and Family Information Form, the Children Fear Scale (CFS), and the Faces Pain Scale–Revised (FPS-R). The data were evaluated using the Pearson chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, One-way ANOVA test with Bonferroni correction, and Fisher-Freeman-Halton. FindingsIn the study, the average age of the children was 9.21 ± 2.15 years. The Buzzy® group had the lowest pain and procedural fear scores (self-report = 0.88 ± 1.13, 0.31 ± 0.47; parent report = 0.75 ± 0.98, 0.34 ± 0.48, and researcher report = 0.81 ± 1.00, 0.31 ± 0.54, respectively) than the DC, and control groups. ConclusionsThe Buzzy® method was effective in reducing venipuncture pain and fear in children. Practice implicationsNurses can use the Buzzy® methods to help reduce venipuncture pain and fear in children.The clinical trial registration number is NCT05560074.(https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT05560074).

Comparison of trace image colors for kids-book with two active distractions in reducing pain and fear of children during the venipuncture procedure

This study investigated the effectiveness of trace image and coloring for kids-book (TICK-B), cough trick, and balloon inflation techniques in reducing pain and fear in children during venipuncture. The current study is a prospective, controlled, and randomized trial (RCT). School-aged children who required venipuncture were involved in the study. Pediatric patients were randomly assigned to four groups: the TICK-B group, the cough trick group, the inflation of balloons, and the control groups. Before and after the procedure, the children and their parents were interviewed. Wong-Baker (FACES) Pain Rating Scale was applied to measure the severity of pain. Children’s Fear Scale was applied to measure children’s fear. This study involved the 160 children (mean age, 8.39–2.18 years). The severity of pain and fear levels among the children during and after the procedure were significantly different (p = 0.001). Pain and fear were significantly decreased in children in the intervention groups compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). In the TICK-B group, participants reported significantly less pain and fear during the venipuncture procedure than in the cough trick, balloon inflation, and control groups (P = 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.001) and after the procedure (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.002). There was a similar significance found in the level of fear during the procedure (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.006), and after the procedure (p = 0.001, p = 0.008, p = 0.015). Conclusion: TICK-B was the most effective method for decreasing the pain and fear of children associated with venipuncture procedures. Furthermore, the distraction technique of coughing and inflating balloons also proved efficacious in decreasing the pain and fear of children during venipuncture. Trial registration: The study has been registered with ClinicalTrials.org under the number NCT04983303. It was retrospectively registered on July 26, 2021.What is Known:• Venipuncture, one of the most painful and uncomfortable procedures for children, caused great fear and discomfort during the procedure.What is New:• The TICK-B technique, music listening, and cartoon watching techniques are effective, simple, and safe ways to reduce children’s fear and pain. These interventions provide a good way for children and their parents to collaborate during painful medical procedures.• No studies have compared the impact of TICK-B during venipuncture.

Effects of applications manual pressure and shotblocker to reduce needle-related pain and fear in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundPain and fear associated with insulin injections can cause children with type 1 diabetes mellitus to avoid insulin injections and skip doses. ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare pain and fear levels in children aged 6–12 years receiving subcutaneous insulin injection using the manual pressure and ShotBlocker methods. MethodsA randomized controlled study was conducted with 90 children with type 1 diabetes who were allocated using block randomization to the manual pressure, ShotBlocker, and control groups (n = 30 in each group). Fear and pain levels were rated by the children, their parents, and a member of the study team immediately before and after insulin injection using the Children's Fear Scale and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, respectively. ResultsAll groups had similar self-, parent-, and researcher-reported levels of preprocedural pain and fear (p > 0.05). However, pain and fear scores were lower in the manual pressure and ShotBlocker groups than in the control group after injection (p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in pain and fear scores between the two intervention groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionManual pressure and the ShotBlocker both reduced fear and pain associated with insulin injection in 6- to 12-year-old children with type 1 diabetes. Implications for practiceBoth the manual pressure and ShotBlocker methods can easily be applied in children receiving insulin injections. As manual pressure is completely cost- and equipment-free, it is a useful option to reduce pain and fear related to insulin injection.Clinical Trial Registration Number: National Institutes of Health (NIH), ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05789810.

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

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.

Effects of two different ball types on pain and anxiety during venous blood draw in children: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundChildren presenting to hospitals for healthcare are often exposed to venous blood draw procedures which cause significant pain and stress for children. ObjectivesTactile stimulation and active distraction methods can be used during procedural pain management in children. This study was conducted to determine and compare the effects of tactile stimulation and active distraction methods on levels of pain and anxiety during venous blood draw procedure in children. MethodsA randomized controlled study design was adopted with a parallel trial design to compare four different intervention groups with a control group. The children's anxiety levels were evaluated using the Children's Fear Scale, and their perceived pain levels were evaluated using the Wong Baker Pain Scale. ResultsThe results of the child and observer evaluations revealed the perceived level of pain during the procedure to be lower in the intervention groups than in the control group, and lower in the spiky ball groups than in the round ball groups. The level of anxiety during the procedure was found to be significantly lower than that recorded prior to the procedure, based on the self-evaluation of the child and the evaluation of the observer in the intervention groups. A positive correlation was found between pain and anxiety levels during the procedure. Practice implicationsThe results of this study support the effectiveness of the spiky ball method to reduce perceived pain and anxiety in children during venous blood draw procedures in the pediatric blood draw units.

Effect of promethazine in cleft surgeries among Indian children.

The use of antihistamine therapy in children for the management of upper respiratory tract infections remains a topic of debate. In this study, we focused on evaluating the effectiveness of promethazine (Phenergan), a first-generation H1 receptor antagonist and sedative, in addressing preoperative and intra-operative sequelae in cleft surgeries. A single-centered, parallel, randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trial was conducted on 128 children aged 2 to 4 years undergoing cleft palate surgery under general anesthesia. The case group received Phenergan syrup orally twice a day for three days, while the control group received a placebo. Primary outcomes measured preoperative anxiety levels using a children's fear scale, while secondary outcomes assessed preoperative sleep quality and cough rate through objective scales. Intraoperative heart rate was monitored using an ECG connected to a monitor. The results demonstrated that the administration of promethazine resulted in a 34% reduction in anxiety levels, a 46% reduction in cold and cough, a 38% improvement in sleep score, and stable heart rates throughout the surgery compared to the control group. Based on these findings, promethazine is considered a safe premedication option for children undergoing cleft palate surgeries; given its benefits outweigh its adverse effects.

The effect of watching videos using virtual reality during operating room transfer on the fear andanxiety of children aged 6–12 undergoing inguinal hernia surgery: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundBeing in a hospital and undergoing a surgical intervention are very stressful for the children and their parents. It is critical to keep the pain, fear and anxiety of children at a minimum level during this period in order to have a better process. PurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of watching videos using virtual reality on fear and anxiety of children aged 6–12 years old during operating room transfer for inguinal hernia surgery. MethodsThis prospective and randomized controlled study used parallel trial design guided by the CONSORT checklist. The study was conducted with two groups: the group that watch videos using virtual reality group and the control group. Data were collected using follow-up forms; the Children's State Anxiety Scale and the Children's Fear Scale. ResultsChildren in the virtual realty group had lower anxiety and fear scores than the children in the control group (p < 0.05). Evaluation of the in-group measurements demonstrated that the fear and anxiety scores of the children in the virtual reality group decreased after the transfer compared to that of the pre-transfer, while the children in the control group experienced higher fear and anxiety scores (p < 0.05). ConclusionVirtual reality is an effective method to reduce fear and anxiety in children aged 6–12 years old during their transfer to the operating room. Implications for practiceEvidence-based protocol and guidelines should be developed for nonpharmacological methods such as virtual reality for procedural fear and anxiety in children.

The effect of a hand puppet-based therapeutic play for preschool children on the fear and pain associated with blood collection procedure

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.

Effect Of Flippits Versus Virtual Reality On Pain, Fear, And Satisfaction During Phlebotomy Among Children.

To determine the effect of flippits versus virtual reality on pain, fear and satisfaction among children during phlebotomy. The quasi-experientialstudy was conducted at the Paediatric Medical Department of Kafrelsheikh University Hospital, Egypt, from November 2021 to April 2022, and comprised children of either gender aged 6-12 years. The subjects were randomised into flippits group A, virtual reality group B and control group C in which only traditional care was provided. Data was collected using a structured interview, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Children's Fear Scale, and Blood Specimen Collection Satisfaction Evaluation Scale. Data was analysed using SPSS 20. Of the 120 children, 40(33.3%) were in each of the three groups. There were 21(52.5%) boys and 19(47.5%) girlsin group A with mean age 8.2±1.6 years, 22(55%) boys and 18(45%) girlsin group B with mean age 7.8±1.7 years, and 27(67.5%) boys and 13(32.5%) girls in group C with mean age 7.9±1.9 years (p>0.05). Mean pain and fear scores were significantly lower and mean satisfaction score was higher in groups A and B than group C (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean pain scores of group A and group B (p>0.05). Flippits and virtual reality interventions had a positive effect on pain, fear and satisfaction levelsin children during phlebotomy.

Impact of music therapy and hand massage in the pediatric intensive care unit on pain, fear and stress: Randomized controlled trial

PurposeThis study was performed with the aim of assessing the effect of music therapy and hand massage on pain, fear and stress among 12–18 year-old adolescents treated in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). DesignThis study was a randomized controlled trial, with single-blind design. MethodsThe adolescents were divided into groups with 33 receiving hand massage, 33 receiving music therapy and 33 in the control group. Collection of data used the Wong-Baker FACES (WB-FACES) Pain Rating Scale, Children's Fear Scale (CFS) and blood cortisol levels. FindingsIn the study, adolescents in the music therapy group had lower mean points for WB-FACES before, during and after the procedure by a significant level compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CFS mean points before and during the procedure were lowest in the music therapy group, while the music therapy and massage groups were determined to have lower points by a significant level after the procedure compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, when the mean cortisol levels of adolescents before the procedure and on the 1st and 2nd day after the procedure were compared, there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionsIt was determined that hand massage and music therapy were more effective than standard care at reducing pain and fear levels during blood drawing among 12–18-year-old adolescents in the PICU. Practice implicationsNurses may use music therapy and hand massage to manage fear and pain related to blood drawing in the PICU.

The effect of lighted toy on reducing pain and fear during blood collection in children between 3 and 6 years: A randomized control trial

BackgroundThis study was carried out as an experimental research to determine the effect of the light toy on reducing pain and fear during blood collection in children. MethodsThe data were obtained 116 children. The “Interview and Observation Form Children's Fear Scale, Wong-Baker Faces, Luminous Toy and Stopwatch” was used for data collection. The data were evaluated using percentage, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, t-test, correlation analysis and Krusskal Wallis test in SPSS 21.0 package program. FindingsThe fear score average of the children in the lighted toy group was 0.95 ± 0.80, while it was 3.00 ± 0.74 in the control group. The difference between the groups in terms of the fear score average of the children was found statistically significant (p < 0.05). When the difference between groups in terms of pain status of children is examined, the pain level of children in the lighted toy group (2.83 ± 2.82,) was found to be significantly lower than the pain level of the children in the control group (5.86 ± 2.72) (p < 0.05). DiscussionAs a result of the study, it was found that the lighted toy given to the children during blood collection reduces their fear and pain levels. In the light of these findings, it is recommended to increase the use of lighted toys in blood collection. Application to practiceThe use of lighted toys as a distraction method during blood collection in children is an effective, easy-to-access and low-cost method. This method demonstrates that there is no need for expensive methods of distraction.

Comparing the Effect of Music and Puzzle-Solving on Anxiety Before Surgery in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Hospitalization and the possibility of surgery are known as the main causes of anxiety in children, and anxiety is a natural physiological process in individuals that allows them to adapt and deal with a diversity of adverse conditions. The purpose of this research aimed to compare 2 methods of distraction including puzzle-solving and music on anxiety before pediatric surgery. This study is clinical trial research. First, 90 children 6 to 10 years old were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. In group A, the visual puzzlesolving items were presented, in group B, music with related pictures via a tablet was presented in the waiting room for surgery, and in group C, only standard care for each patient was presented. Anxiety before surgery was measured with a Children's Fear Scale questionnaire before moving the patient to the operating room, then 30 minutes before surgery in the pre-surgery waiting room, and the third stage immediately after transfer to the operating room before induction of anesthesia. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, and Tukey test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software version 21.0. The results of this research showed that the levels of anxiety significantly improved in the intervention groups compared to the control group after the intervention (P < .001). Music and puzzle-solving as complementary therapy can improve the levels of anxiety in children before surgery. Therefore, this technique can be recommended to be used along with modern medicine in children.

Effect of soap bubbles technique, coughing and distraction cards on reducing pain and anxiety during phlebotomy in children.

This study aims to compare three techniques (soap bubbles, distraction cards, coughing) to reduce pain and anxiety in children during phlebotomy and collection with the use of a control group. Pain levels of children were assessed with the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and anxiety levels of children were assessed with the Children's Fear Scale. This randomized controlled study involved intervention groups and a control group. The population of this study consisted of 120 Turkish children (30 subjects in each of the four groups soap bubbles technique, distraction cards, coughing, and control groups) between the ages of 6 and 12. The study found that pain and anxiety levels of the children in intervention groups were lower than those of the children in the control group during phlebotomy procedure and this difference was statistically significant (P < .05). No difference was found among the three techniques (Soap bubbles, distraction cards, and coughing) to reduce pain and anxiety in children during the phlebotomy procedure (P > .05). Soap bubbles, distraction cards and coughing techniques were found to reduce pain and anxiety in children during phlebotomy. Nurses can play an effective role in reducing pain and anxiety by using these techniques.

Effects of Comfort-Oriented Nursing Care Based on the Comfort Theory on Perioperative Anxiety and Fear in Children Undergoing Surgical Circumcision: RCT

PurposeThis study explored the effect of comfort-oriented nursing care based on comfort theory on reducing perioperative anxiety and fear in children undergoing surgical circumcision. DesignRandomized controlled trial. MethodThe study was completed with the participation of children circumcised in a hospital in Turkey using the same surgeon, anesthesia, and surgical technique. A total of 120 children meeting the inclusion criteria and providing consent to participate in the study were randomly divided into two equal groups. The study was conducted between June and September 2019. The intervention group received comfort-oriented nursing care based on the comfort theory. The control group received routine nursing care. Data were collected using the Children's Anxiety Meter-State and Children's Fear Scale. Outcome variables were determined at seven measurement points, including baseline, five intermediate points, and at the follow-up visit on the 10th postoperative day. ResultsA statistically significant difference in the fear of the group receiving comfort-oriented nursing care based on comfort theory was noted compared with the control group. ConclusionComfort-oriented nursing care based on the comfort theory was effective in reducing perioperative anxiety and fear among children undergoing surgical circumcision. This study is important given that comfort-oriented nursing care based on the comfort theory may be applied to those receiving care in pediatric surgery.

Effectiveness of stress ball and relaxation exercises on polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) test-induced fear and pain in adolescents in Türkiye

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the effectiveness of stress balls and relaxation exercises in relieving PCR test-induced fear and pain in adolescents. Design and methodsA randomized controlled experimental study with a parallel-group design was conducted. The sample size was determined by G*Power analysis, and 32 adolescents were included in each group accordingly. The data were collected using the Adolescent and Parent Information Form, The Children's Fear Scale, and The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, paired t-test, ANOVA, and Tukey's forward analysis were used to analyze the data. ResultsThe mean age was 14.93 ± 2.07 years for the adolescents, 43.58 ± 4.50 years for the mothers, and 48.25 ± 4.92 years for the fathers. Adolescents were stratified according to age, gender, and fear of invasive procedures, and homogeneity was ensured in their distribution to the groups. The pre-procedural level of fear was moderate in each group with no significant difference (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of both post-procedure levels of fear and pain. The pre-procedural fear of the adolescents in the control group (3.91 ± 0.29) did not change much after the procedure (3.91 ± 0.30), while there was a decrease in the other groups. The least post-procedure fear (0.09 ± 0.29) and pain (0.44 ± 0.67) were found to be in the relaxation exercise group. Conclusions and practice implicationsRelaxation exercise is the most effective method to reduce fear and pain during the PCR procedure. It is recommended to use it during the PCR procedure for being easily accessible, applicable, and cost-effective.Clinical Trials ID: NCT05250544.

The effects of goldfish on anxiety, fear, psychological and emotional well-being of hospitalized children: A randomized controlled study

AimThis study aimed to determine the effect of goldfish intervention on anxiety, fear, psychological and emotional well-being of hospitalized children. Materials and methodsBetween November 2020 and August 2021, an open-label, single-center randomized controlled experimental study was conducted in Türkiye's Eastern Anatolia region. The study included 112 children aged 8 to 10 years old (56 in the study group and 56 in the control group). The study and control groups were randomly assigned to strata using a table of random numbers. The children in the study group observed after goldfish intervention for three days. As data collection tools, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Child Fear Scale, and the Stirling Children's Well-being Scale were used. ResultsThe mean state anxiety scores of the children in the study group who looked after goldfish intervention decreased significantly compared to the control group. When the two groups were compared, the difference between the post-test measurements were significant (p < 0.05). The mean score of the fear scale in the post-test measurements of the study group children was significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05). Finally, the emotional, and psychological well-being post-test scale mean scores of the study group children were higher than the control group (p < 0.01). ConclusionGoldfish intervention was found to be effective in decreasing the state anxiety and fear levels and increasing the psychological and emotional well-being levels of the children in the study group.

The Effect of Virtual Reality and Buzzy on First Insertion Success, Procedure-Related Fear, Anxiety, and Pain in Children during Intravenous Insertion in the Pediatric Emergency Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionDistraction methods such as virtual reality and cold vibration device are recommended during intravenous interventions. Few studies have focused on the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on intravenous insertion success. MethodsA randomized controlled study evaluated effect of virtual reality and cold vibration device application on first-attempt intravenous insertion success and procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety during intravenous insertion in children. Children aged 4 to 10 years (N = 150) undergoing peripheral intravenous catheterization insertion in the pediatric emergency department were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: virtual reality, cold vibration (Buzzy), and control group. Distraction technique of talking and asking questions of children was used in control group. Primary outcome was first-attempt intravenous insertion success; secondary outcomes were procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety. Study data were collected using Difficult Intravenous Access score, Emotional Appearance Scale for Children, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Color Analog Scale, Children's Anxiety Meter-State, and Child Fear Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Kruskal–Wallis test. ResultsThere were no significant differences in first-attempt intravenous insertion success rates (virtual reality = 47.2%, Buzzy® = 50%, control = 46.9%), preprocedural emotional appearance scores, and procedure-related pain and anxiety scores. There was no difference between groups for vital signs before, during, and at fifth minute of procedure. DiscussionVirtual reality and Buzzy may decrease procedure-related fear in children during intravenous insertion. This research has shown that pediatric emergency nurses can reduce pain and anxiety by talking to children, and simple distractions such as asking questions are as effective as more technological ones.