Using non-pharmacological interventions to manage medical procedure-induced anxiety in children: a framework to guide...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Child Health Management
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Medical procedures can induce significant anxiety in children, impacting their short- and long-term well-being.
• Children's anxiety is influenced by various factors, including non-pharmacological interventions and adult behavior.
• Effective management strategies are crucial for improving pediatric patient experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of non-pharmacological interventions for managing medical procedure-induced anxiety in children.
• To develop a practical framework based on existing literature to guide clinicians.
• To provide evidence-based strategies for reducing pediatric anxiety during medical procedures.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review of peer-reviewed literature was performed.
• Studies focusing on non-pharmacological interventions for pediatric procedural anxiety were systematically identified and analyzed.
• A synthesis of findings was conducted to identify common themes and effective strategies.

Main Results:

• Multiple non-pharmacological interventions demonstrate efficacy in reducing children's anxiety during medical procedures.
• Key strategies include preparation, distraction, relaxation techniques, and parental involvement.
• A six-component framework for managing pediatric procedural anxiety was developed.

Conclusions:

• Non-pharmacological interventions are vital for addressing medical procedure-induced anxiety in children.
• The proposed framework offers a structured approach for healthcare professionals to implement effective anxiety management strategies.
• Further application and validation of the framework are recommended to enhance pediatric care.