The effect of pre-treatment therapeutic play on pain, fear, physiological parameters, and parental satisfaction in preschool children: A randomized controlled trial.

In 30 seconds

This randomized controlled trial evaluated the impact of a nurse-delivered, tablet-based therapeutic play intervention on pain, fear, and anxiety in preschool children aged 3-6 years undergoing procedures. Conducted with 40 children in a pediatric unit in Turkey, the study found that post-treatment pain, anxiety, and fear scores were significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.001), indicating the intervention's effectiveness.

Key findings

• Post-treatment pain scores were significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.001).
• Anxiety scores were significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.001).
• Fear scores were significantly higher in the control group (p < 0.001).
• Parental satisfaction did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05).

Why it matters

This study highlights the potential of non-pharmacological interventions, such as therapeutic play, to alleviate procedural pain and anxiety in young children, which can improve their overall experience in healthcare settings.