Effects of Weighted Blankets on Anxiety for Pediatric Oncology Patients During Outpatient Chemotherapy Infusions

BackgroundAnxiety is highly prevalent among pediatric oncology patients. Weighted blankets are a potential intervention to address anxiety for pediatric oncology patients. The goal of this work is to assess the effectiveness of weighted blankets in reducing anxiety for pediatric oncology patients.MethodA randomized 2 × 2 cross-over design was utilized. Newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients between the age of 4 and 17 were included. All participants also needed to pass seriation screening to be able to eligible for the study. Participants were randomized to one of two arms: weighted blanket on first infusion visit after enrollment then usual care on second visit (WB:UC) or usual care on first infusion visit after enrollment then weighted blanket (UC:WB) on second visit. Anxiety via Children's Anxiety Meter-State (CAM-S) was collected pre- and postinfusion visit. Descriptive statistics were conducted to describe the data. A linear mixed model with interaction effects was conducted to assess the treatment effect of the weighted blanket.ResultsThere were 26 participants who were enrolled in the study. Twenty-four with complete information were included in the analysis. Regression models revealed that CAM-S measure reduced by -0.71 (95% CI: [-1.25 to -0.19], p = .02). WB had more impact on the second visit ($\beta$ = -0.51, -1.92 to 0.88, 0.97).DiscussionThere was significant reduction in anxiety postinfusion. While further research is needed, this study highlights not only the impact of weighted blankets, but of nursing care on anxiety for pediatric oncology patients.