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Published on: August 1, 2019
Effects of Digital Picture Books on Young Children Undergoing Cardiac Catheterisation and Their Family Caregivers: A
Changhua Zheng1,2, Chengyang Li1, Lingdan Zhuang3
1The School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Insights
Digital picture books effectively reduced preoperative anxiety and pain in children undergoing cardiac catheterisation and eased family caregiver anxiety. This intervention did not significantly improve sleep quality in young patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Psychological Interventions
- Digital Health
Background:
- Cardiac catheterisation is a stressful procedure for young children with congenital heart disease.
- Preoperative anxiety, pain, and poor sleep quality are common challenges for these patients and their families.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are sought to improve patient and family experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of digital picture books on preoperative anxiety, pain, and sleep quality in pediatric cardiac catheterisation patients.
- To assess the effect of digital picture books on the anxiety levels of family caregivers.
- To explore a novel, non-pharmacological approach to managing procedural distress in pediatric cardiology.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, single-blinded, controlled trial involving 64 children (aged 2-7 years) with congenital heart disease and their family caregivers.
- Participants were assigned to either usual care or digital picture book sessions prior to cardiac catheterisation.
- Anxiety and pain were measured using standardized scales; sleep quality was assessed via actigraphy.
Main Results:
- Digital picture books significantly decreased preoperative anxiety in children and anxiety in family caregivers.
- A significant reduction in bandage removal pain was observed in the intervention group.
- No statistically significant difference in sleep quality was found between the digital picture book group and the control group.
Conclusions:
- Digital picture books are an effective intervention for reducing anxiety and pain in pediatric cardiac catheterisation patients and their family caregivers.
- The intervention's inability to improve sleep quality suggests a need for complementary strategies.
- This study highlights the potential of digital tools to enhance emotional well-being during pediatric medical procedures.
Aim:
To assess the impact of digital picture books on preoperative anxiety, pain and sleep quality in young children undergoing cardiac catheterisation and the anxiety of their family caregivers.
Design:
A randomised, single-blinded, two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial.
Methods:
Participants are young children aged 2-7 years with congenital heart disease scheduled for cardiac catheterisation and their family caregivers. They were enrolled at Fujian Medical University Union Hospital between September 2022 and July 2023. They were randomised to either a control group receiving usual care or an intervention group receiving digital picture book sessions. Anxiety and pain levels were assessed using standardised scales, and sleep quality was measured using actigraphy.
Results:
The study included 64 pairs of young children and family caregivers. Digital picture books significantly reduced preoperative anxiety and bandage removal pain in children and anxiety in family caregivers. However, there was no statistical difference in sleep quality between the intervention group and the control group.
Conclusions:
Digital picture books prove to be an effective intervention for reducing anxiety and pain in paediatric cardiac catheterisation patients and anxiety of their family caregivers. The intervention did not affect sleep quality, suggesting the need for additional strategies to address this aspect of the hospital experience.
Implications For The Profession And/Or Patient Care:
This study demonstrated the effectiveness of digitally illustrated books in reducing preoperative anxiety and pain in young children and anxiety in family caregivers. Digital picture books offer a creative and engaging way to help children and their families cope with the stress and anxiety associated with medical procedures. Further research in this area may lead to the development of more innovative and effective interventions for paediatric patients and their family caregivers.
Impact:
The study's impact lies in its innovative approach to addressing the psychological and emotional challenges faced by young children and their family caregivers during the stressful experience of cardiac catheterisation. By demonstrating the efficacy of digital picture books in significantly reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, the research presents a non-pharmacological, accessible and engaging intervention that can be seamlessly integrated into existing healthcare practices. The findings have the potential to transform paediatric care by offering a safe, developmentally appropriate and cost-effective method to support the emotional well-being of children and their families, thereby enhancing the overall patient experience and clinical outcomes. Moreover, the study's emphasis on family caregiver involvement underscores the importance of a holistic approach to care that considers the needs of both the patient and their support system.
Patient Or Public Contribution:
Children and their family caregivers were invited to provide valuable input which has been critical to the development of the intervention. The participant information sheet and consent form, as well as the consent/recruitment process, were reviewed by a consumer advisor advocate from the pilot study.
Reporting Method:
CONSORT.
Trial Registration:
Chinese clinical trial registry: ChiCTR2200063973. Registered on 22 September 2022, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=132833.
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