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Effect of storytelling on reducing procedural distress among pediatric patients
Bhasara Kalpana Ramji1, Mahalakshmi B1, Siva Subramanian N2
1Department of Pediatric Nursing, Nootan College of Nursing, Sankalchand Patel University, Visnagar, Gujarat, India.
Insights
Storytelling significantly reduces physiological distress in children during medical procedures. This low-cost intervention improves vital signs and oxygen saturation, offering a safe adjunct to standard care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nursing
- Child Psychology
- Medical Intervention
Background:
- Invasive medical procedures can cause significant distress in children.
- Non-pharmacological interventions are sought to manage procedural anxiety and pain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of storytelling on physiological responses in children undergoing invasive medical procedures.
- To determine if storytelling can reduce procedural distress and improve patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A one-group pre-test-post-test design was employed.
- Forty-one children aged 3-12 years participated.
- Physiological parameters were measured before and after a 15-20 minute storytelling session.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions were observed in respiratory rate, pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and temperature.
- Oxygen saturation (SpO2) showed a significant improvement.
- Storytelling demonstrated a measurable positive effect on multiple physiological indicators of distress.
Conclusions:
- Storytelling is an effective, low-cost, and culturally adaptable intervention for reducing procedural distress in children.
- Incorporating storytelling into pediatric nursing care can serve as a safe adjunct to pharmacological approaches.
- This non-pharmacological method holds potential for routine use in pediatric healthcare settings.
Abstract:
The effect of storytelling on physiological responses among children undergoing invasive medical procedures is of interest. Using a one-group pre-test - post-test design, 41 children aged 3-12 years were assessed before and after a 15-20 minute storytelling session. Data showed significant reductions in respiratory rate, pulse rate (108.56 → 96.34 bpm), systolic blood pressure (106.12 98.24 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (68.37 → 62.45 mmHg) and temperature (37.46 → 37.12°C), along with improvement in SpO2 (95.12% → 97.38%). These findings confirm that storytelling is an effective, low-cost and culturally adaptable intervention to reduce procedural distress. Thus, we show the potential of incorporating storytelling into routine pediatric nursing care as a safe adjunct to pharmacological approaches.
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