Child Life Reduces Distress and Pain and Improves Family Satisfaction in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Child Life Services
• Healthcare Interventions

Background:

• Peripheral intravenous (PIV) line placement is a common but distressing procedure for children in emergency departments (EDs).
• Standard nursing care may not adequately address pediatric procedural anxiety and pain.
• The role of Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) in mitigating these effects requires further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) intervention on pediatric distress and pain during peripheral intravenous (PIV) line placement.
• To assess the effect of CCLS intervention on family satisfaction with the emergency department (ED) visit.
• To determine if CCLS support improves patient cooperation during PIV procedures.

Main Methods:

• A convenience sample of 78 children (aged 3-13 years) requiring PIV placement in a pediatric trauma center ED were enrolled.
• Participants received either standard nursing care or intervention from a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS).
• Outcomes measured included emotional behaviors (Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale), self-reported pain (Wong-Baker Faces scale), patient cooperation, and family satisfaction.

Main Results:

• CCLS intervention was associated with significantly fewer negative emotional behaviors (P = .027).
• Children receiving CCLS support reported reduced pain levels (P = .017).
• Parent-reported patient cooperation and overall satisfaction with the ED visit were greater with CCLS involvement.

Conclusions:

• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) intervention positively impacts pediatric patients undergoing PIV placement in the ED.
• CCLS support effectively reduces distress, pain, and enhances patient cooperation and family satisfaction.
• Integrating CCLS into routine PIV procedures can improve key outcomes in pediatric emergency care.