Issues in comprehensive pediatric nursing
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Issues Compr Pediatr Nurs · Dec 2013
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effectiveness of a storybook in lessening anxiety in children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in Northern Ireland.
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a storybook, entitled, The Tale of Woody's Tonsils, written by Anne Marie Tunney, on reducing the level of anxiety of children aged 5-11 years who were undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in one hospital in Northern Ireland. BACKGROUND/LITERATURE REVIEW: Psychological preparation of children for surgery impacts coping. There is evidence, in both adult and pediatric studies, that effective psychological preparation for a surgical procedure has an impact on the individuals' coping ability with reduced levels of anxiety leading to better post-operative outcome, faster recovery and a reduction in long term sequelae associated with admission to hospital. A storybook, as a method of preparation, has been recommended by a number of researchers but the effectiveness of this in reducing anxiety has not yet been investigated in the UK. Previous studies have mainly used only one research instrument for anxiety measurement and child self-report is not a commonly used feature of such research. ⋯ The storybook was found to be effective in reducing pre-operative anxiety and was found to be particularly effective for females and in the 7-year-old age group. Practice Implications; This study demonstrates the storybook's effectiveness for alleviating anxiety and advocates the use of child focused anxiety measurement tools. It reinforces the need for pre assessment to include exploration of anxiety triggers so that preoperative preparation and nursing care can be individualized for each child.
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Issues Compr Pediatr Nurs · Jan 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialFamily exemplars during implementation of a home pain management intervention.
Postoperative pain and symptom management at home following pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T & A) is challenging. There are few randomized clinical trials that have established postoperative care interventions that are specific and effective during home recovery. The purpose of this pilot feasibility study was to describe how children and their families implemented a randomly assigned alarm intervention designed to promote postoperative around-the-clock administration of analgesics. ⋯ Themes that emerged from the qualitative analysis of the interviews included painful challenges; struggling with decisions; making things work; a lengthy recovery; and family support. Results supported the need for research to establish evidenced-based home care interventions specific for T & A postoperative recovery. Mothers and children suggested the need for education and support that extends longer into the recovery period.
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Issues Compr Pediatr Nurs · Jul 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialChildren's responses to immunizations: lullabies as a distraction.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of audiotaped lullabies on physiological and behavioral distress and perceived pain among children during routine immunization. An experimental design was used to study 99 healthy children ages 3 to 6 years. Half the children received the musical intervention during the immunizations, while the other half did not. ⋯ However, total distress scores were significantly less for the experimental group. These results indicate that immunization is a stressful experience for children. Recommendations include further study incorporating pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions.