Pediatric Ice Pop Administration to Improve Patient Experience Scores

To assess the impact on patient experience scores of giving an ice pop (Popsicle, Good Humor-Breyers, Oakland, CA) to patients in a pediatric emergency department (ED).

A prospective two-center trial was conducted at a tertiary academic pediatric ED and a community ED from January 1, 2018, through March 31, 2018. The intervention arm gave an ice pop to all eligible patients 0 to 14 years of age on even-numbered days versus conventional practice on odd-numbered days. Press Ganey top box scores were then compared.

Of 4574 pediatric (0 to 14 years of age) patient visits, patient experience surveys were delivered to 1346 families (29.4%) and 152 were returned (11.3%). Eighty-four surveys were returned for even-numbered day visits and 68 for odd-numbered day visits. There was a significant increase in patient experience scores associated with ice pop administration days for questions that asked about doctor's concern for comfort 70.2% versus 57.4% (P=.05), doctor's courtesy 76.2% versus 61.8% (P=.04), and doctor taking time to listen 72.6% versus 57.4% (P=.03).

A low-cost intervention resulted in significantly increased patient experience scores in select domains. Popsicle administration was a simple intervention which was easily instituted in both academic and community ED settings. Further study should explore the durability of the effect.