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Effects of Comfort-Oriented Nursing Care Based on the Comfort Theory on Perioperative Anxiety and Fear in Children
Fahriye Pazarcikci1, Emine Efe2
1Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Isparta, Turkey.
Insights
Comfort-oriented nursing care effectively reduced perioperative anxiety and fear in children undergoing circumcision. This approach, grounded in comfort theory, offers a valuable strategy for pediatric surgical care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Surgical Care
- Psychological Well-being
Background:
- Perioperative anxiety and fear are significant concerns for children undergoing surgical circumcision.
- Existing nursing care protocols may not adequately address the psychological needs of these young patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of comfort-oriented nursing care, based on comfort theory, in mitigating perioperative anxiety and fear in children undergoing surgical circumcision.
- To evaluate the impact of a specialized nursing intervention on children's emotional state during the perioperative period.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 120 children undergoing surgical circumcision in Turkey.
- Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving comfort-oriented nursing care and the other receiving routine care.
- Data on anxiety and fear were collected at multiple time points using validated scales, including a 10th postoperative day follow-up.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in fear was observed in the group that received comfort-oriented nursing care compared to the control group.
- The intervention demonstrated a positive effect on reducing perioperative psychological distress.
Conclusions:
- Comfort-oriented nursing care, guided by comfort theory, is an effective strategy for reducing perioperative anxiety and fear in pediatric patients undergoing circumcision.
- This nursing approach holds promise for application in broader pediatric surgical settings to enhance patient comfort and well-being.
Purpose:
This study explored the effect of comfort-oriented nursing care based on comfort theory on reducing perioperative anxiety and fear in children undergoing surgical circumcision.
Design:
Randomized controlled trial.
Method:
The 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.
Results:
A 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.
Conclusion:
Comfort-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.
