The effect of mobile game training designed for asthmatic children on asthma management and quality of life.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the effect of mobile game training designed for children with asthma on inhaler use skills, asthma symptoms and treatment needs, and quality of life. DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted between April and October 2023 at "Pediatric Asthma and Allergy Clinic" in Turkey. The sample of the study consists of a total of 74 children diagnosed with asthma, including the Mobile game (n: 37) and the Control group (n: 37). In the study, a mobile game was developed for children with asthma between the ages of 8-12. In collecting research data; Child and Parent Information Form, Inhaler Use Skill Evaluation Form, Asthma Symptom and Treatment Need Scoring (Asthma Symptom Score [ASS], Rhinitis Symptom Score [RSS] and Total Symptom Score [TSS]), DISABKIDS Asthma Scale were used. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the demographic status of the children (p > 0.05). It was determined that the average inhaler use skill score and DISABKIDS asthma scale Child/Parent score average of the children in the mobile game group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05). When the children's final follow-up ASS, RSS and TSS total scores were examined; It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the children in the mobile game and control groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this study, it was determined that mobile game training designed for children is an effective method in increasing children's ability to use inhaler medications, reducing asthma symptoms and treatment needs, and improving quality of life. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Nurses can improve children's quality of life by using mobile game training programs that attract children's attention.

Effect of short film video and video-based education on fear, pain, and satisfaction of children undergoing day surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the effect of introducing the operating room environment with different informative multimedia methods to pediatric patients aged 7-12 in the preoperative period in day surgery on fear, pain, and patient satisfaction in three different groups comparatively. DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted with the guidelines of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). The sample of children was allocated to the Short Film Group (n:30), Video Based Education Group (n:30) and Control Group (n:30). Fear, pain, and satisfaction were measured. RESULTS: The age distribution of the children in the study was 7.57 ± 1.25 years in the short film group, 7.27 ± 0.52 years in the video-based education group, and 7.57 ± 2.27 years in the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic status, fear, and vital signs before the procedure. Fear, pain, and satisfaction levels of children in short film groups were lower than video-based education groups. CONCLUSION: The result of this research reveals that preoperative short film education in children is more effective than video-based education in reducing fear, pain, and satisfaction levels. This intervention could be an effective method to improve outcomes. Nurses can increase children's comfort by using educational programs that attract children's attention. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Healthcare team members working in pediatric surgical units can use the short film method, which is effective, easy, and applicable in the field, to reduce pain and fear in the preoperative period and increase satisfaction in children undergoing day surgery.

The effect of watching videos using virtual reality during operating room transfer on the fear andanxiety of children aged 6-12 undergoing inguinal hernia surgery: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Being in a hospital and undergoing a surgical intervention are very stressful for the children and their parents. It is critical to keep the pain, fear and anxiety of children at a minimum level during this period in order to have a better process. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of watching videos using virtual reality on fear and anxiety of children aged 6-12 years old during operating room transfer for inguinal hernia surgery. METHODS: This prospective and randomized controlled study used parallel trial design guided by the CONSORT checklist. The study was conducted with two groups: the group that watch videos using virtual reality group and the control group. Data were collected using follow-up forms; the Children's State Anxiety Scale and the Children's Fear Scale. RESULTS: Children in the virtual realty group had lower anxiety and fear scores than the children in the control group (p < 0.05). Evaluation of the in-group measurements demonstrated that the fear and anxiety scores of the children in the virtual reality group decreased after the transfer compared to that of the pre-transfer, while the children in the control group experienced higher fear and anxiety scores (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Virtual reality is an effective method to reduce fear and anxiety in children aged 6-12 years old during their transfer to the operating room. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Evidence-based protocol and guidelines should be developed for nonpharmacological methods such as virtual reality for procedural fear and anxiety in children.

Effect of Two Bathing Methods on Physiologic Parameters in Pediatric Intensive Care.

To determine the effect of traditional and disposable bed baths performed in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) on the physiologic parameters of children. This research was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with children who were monitored in the PICU. It was found that the pulse and blood pressure immediately after the bath were higher for both bath applications and was the lowest 30 minutes after the bath (p < .05). Children who used traditional baths had a lower body temperature than those who used the disposable bed bath after bathing for the second day. Oxygen saturation averages were found that within the group to be the highest 30 minutes after bathing methods (p < .05). Both bathing methods applied in the PICU had a positive effect on physiologic parameters. It may be recommended to regularly perform the most appropriate bathing for patients with stable hemodynamics in PICUs.

The Effect of a Cartoon and an Information Video About Intravenous Insertion on Pain and Fear in Children Aged 6 to 12 Years in the Pediatric Emergency Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Intravenous insertion is the most common invasive procedure made for administering intravascular fluid and medicine. Peripheral venous catheterization may cause pain, fear, and stress in children. This study aimed to compare the effects of watching a cartoon and an information video about intravenous insertion on the pain and fear levels of children aged 6-12 years. METHODS: The study was an experimental, randomized controlled clinical trial. It was conducted with 477 children aged 6-12 years randomized into 3 groups: the informative animated video group, the cartoon group, and the control group. Fear and pain perception were evaluated on the basis of the feedback from the child, observer nurse, and parents. The Children's Fear Scale was used to evaluate the fear level and the Wong-Baker FACES Scale was used to assess pain levels. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance, the chi-square test, and the intraclass correlation coefficient test. RESULTS: The children who watched the information video before the intravenous insertion procedure and those who watched a cartoon during the procedure had lower mean pain and fear scores as evaluated by the child (pain: F = 278.67, P = 0.001; fear: F = 294.88, P = 0.001), parent (pain: F = 279.53, P = 0.001; fear: F = 294.47, P = 0.001), and nurse (pain: F = 286.88, P = 0.001; fear: F = 300.81, P = 0.001) than children in the control group. DISCUSSION: This study showed that watching an animation video or a cartoon was effective in lowering children's perceived level of pain and fear during an intravenous insertion intervention.

Examination of Care Burden and Stress Coping Styles of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to examine the caregiver burden and stress coping styles of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with parents of 131 children with ASD who were enrolled in a private education practice center in Istanbul between August 2015 and August 2016. The data were collected using a questionnaire prepared by the researchers, and the "Caregiver Strain Index" and "Ways of Coping Questionnaire." RESULTS: The mean age of the children in the sample group was 4.83 ±â€¯0.99 years; 63.4% were boys. Nearly 40% (38.2%) were diagnosed as having ASD at the age of 2 years. It was determined that the parents of children with ASD had a higher burden of care (CSI mean score: 7.68 ±â€¯4.30). The caregiver burden was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for parents of one child as compared to parents with more children, and parents with daughters compared to parents with sons. In addition, the mothers were found to have higher scores of 'submissive approach' and 'seeking social support' than fathers. CONCLUSION: Parents of children with ASD had a higher caregiver burden. Scores of approach types of self-confident, helpless, optimistic, and seeking social support were significant predictors of caregiver burden. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses are encouraged to take a more active role to improve the health of children with autism and families should contribute to mitigating the burden care of parents by informing families about social support systems.

The Effect of Oral Care Using an Oral Health Care Guide on Preventing Mucositis in Pediatric Intensive Care.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of standard-of-care oral care guides developed specifically for children in intensive care to prevent mucositis. DESIGN AND METHODS: This prospective, interventional and single-group study design was performed in the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital in Istanbul between January and December 2014. Daily oral care was implemented to pediatric patients in the study group in line with an oral care guide developed by the researchers. Data were collected using the data collection form and oral mucositis assessment scale published by the World Health Organization (WHO). RESULTS: Oral mucositis occurred in 16 (5.2%) patients in the pre-intervention group and 7 (2.5%) in the post-intervention group, 10 patients had grade 1, and 6 patients had grade 2 oral mucositis in the pre-intervention group, and in the post-intervention group, three patients had grade 1, and four patients had grade 2 oral mucositis. Although more patients in the pre-intervention group had mucositis than in the post-intervention group, the differences were not statistically significant (P=0.067). CONCLUSIONS: Oral mucositis can be reduced through the practice of administering oral care in accordance with oral healthcare guidelines. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Oral care implemented in line with an evidence-based oral care guide and frequent observation of patients are the most important steps in preventing oral mucositis.

Povidone-Iodine, 0.05% Chlorhexidine Gluconate, or Water for Periurethral Cleaning Before Indwelling Urinary Catheterization in a Pediatric Intensive Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of periurethral cleaning with 10% povidone-iodine, 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate, or sterile water in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) prior to indwelling urinary catheter insertion in a pediatric intensive care unit. A secondary aim was to identify pathogens resulting in CAUTIs in this group. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: One hundred twenty-two patients cared for in a pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital between September 2012 and December 2013 participated in the study. METHODS: Subjects were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups: periurethral cleansing with 0.05% chlorhexidine; 10% povidone-iodine; or sterile water. The patients in each group were cleansed 3 times using different sterile pads and assigned cleansing solutions for as long as the patients were observed or until the urinary catheter was removed. Daily monitoring forms, which included physiologic and physical parameters and catheter-related infections, were completed for all patients. We used Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Health and Safety Network criteria to determine the presence of a CAUTI. RESULTS: CAUTIs occurred in 6 patients (15%) allocated to periurethral cleansing with povidone-iodine, 2 (4.8%) in the chlorhexidine gluconate group, and 3 (7.5%) in the sterile water group. Although more patients in the povidone-iodine group had CAUTI than in the other 2 groups, differences were not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSION: We found no statistically significant differences in CAUTI rates in the 3 groups. Further investigation with a larger study group is needed to more definitively identify any difference in CAUTI occurrences based on periurethral cleansing solution.

Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Dressings and Prevention of Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Bloodstream infections related to use of catheters are associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates, prolonged hospital lengths of stay, and increased medical costs. OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings with that of standard dressings in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections. METHODS: A total of 100 children were randomly divided into 2 groups of 50 each: a chlorhexidine group and a standard group. Patient care was provided in accordance with prevention bundles. Patients were followed up for development of catheter-related bloodstream infections. RESULTS: Catheter colonization occurred in 4 patients in the standard group (8%) and in 1 patient in the chlorhexidine group (2%). Catheter-related bloodstream infections occurred in 5 patients in the standard group (10%) and in 1 patient in the chlorhexidine group (2%). Although more patients in the standard group had catheter-related bloodstream infections, the difference in infection rates between the 2 groups was not significant (P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: Use of chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings reduced rates of catheter-related bloodstream infections, contamination, colonization, and local catheter infection in a pediatric intensive care unit but was not significantly better than use of standard dressings.