Observational Coding Systems of Parent-Child Interactions During Painful Procedures: A Systematic Review
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Published on: June 10, 2013
Jinbing Bai1, Kristen M Swanson2, Sheila J Santacroce3
1Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.
Insights
Reliable parent-child interaction analysis systems (IASs) are crucial for understanding children's pain. This review found many IASs exist, but more theory-based systems and further testing are needed for accurate assessment during painful procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Observational Research Methods
- Pain Management
Background:
- Parent interactions significantly impact a child's pain and distress during medical procedures.
- Interaction Analysis Systems (IASs) are vital for studying these parent-child dynamics.
- The utilization and psychometric properties of IASs in pediatric pain research are not well-documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and evaluate studies assessing the psychometric properties of parent-child interaction analysis systems (IASs).
- Focus on initial iterations and publications of observational coding systems for parent-child interactions during painful procedures.
Main Methods:
- Searched major databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, etc.) up to January 2017.
- Included studies reporting use or psychometrics of parent-child IASs.
- Assessed IASs for theory-based origins and categorized them as well-established, approaching well-established, or promising.
Main Results:
- 18 studies yielded 17 parent-child IASs; 14 suitable for children aged 3+.
- Only two systems were theory-based; 11 captured verbal/nonverbal behaviors influencing child coping or distress.
- Four IASs were well-established, seven approaching well-established, and six promising.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for developing theory-based IASs that capture both verbal and nonverbal parent behaviors during pediatric painful procedures.
- Further psychometric testing is recommended for IASs categorized as 'approaching well-established' or 'promising'.
Background:
Parent interactions with their child can influence the child's pain and distress during painful procedures. Reliable and valid interaction analysis systems (IASs) are valuable tools for capturing these interactions. The extent to which IASs are used in observational research of parent-child interactions is unknown in pediatric populations.
Objectives:
To identify and evaluate studies that focus on assessing psychometric properties of initial iterations/publications of observational coding systems of parent-child interactions during painful procedures.
Methods:
To identify and evaluate studies that focus on assessing psychometric properties of initial iterations/publications of observational coding systems of parent-child interactions during painful procedures. Computerized databases searched included PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, and Scopus. Timeframes covered from inception of the database to January 2017. Studies were included if they reported use or psychometrics of parent-child IASs. First assessment was whether the parent-child IASs were theory-based; next, using the Society of Pediatric Psychology Assessment Task Force criteria IASs were assigned to one of three categories: well-established, approaching well-established, or promising.
Results:
A total of 795 studies were identified through computerized searches. Eighteen studies were ultimately determined to be eligible for inclusion in the review and 17 parent-child IASs were identified from these 18 studies. Among the 17 coding systems, 14 were suitable for use in children age 3 years or more; two were theory-based; and 11 included verbal and nonverbal parent behaviors that promoted either child coping or child distress. Four IASs were assessed as well-established; seven approached well-established; and six were promising.
Conclusions:
Findings indicate a need for the development of theory-based parent-child IASs that consider both verbal and nonverbal parent behaviors during painful procedures. Findings also suggest a need for further testing of those parent-child IASs deemed "approaching well-established" or "promising".
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