The Effects of Pre-Intervention Training Provided Through Therapeutic Play on the Anxiety Of Pediatric Oncology Patients During Peripheral Catheterization.

Aim: The study aims to determine the effect of pre-intervention training provided through therapeutic play on reducing the anxiety of pediatric oncology patients during peripheral catheterization. Materials and Method: This experimental study was conducted between September 2012 and March 2013. The study included 40 children (20 in the control group and 20 in the experimental group) who were receiving treatment for hematological-oncological diseases in the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Units of Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine and Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, and in the Department of Pediatrics of the American Hospital. The children were randomly allocated into the experiment and control groups. The children were asked to complete an Information Form before the peripheral catheterization. The intervention was explained to the experimental group through therapeutic play. The data obtained through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) after the peripheral catheterization were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 21 package for Windows. Findings: It was found that the mean trait anxiety scores were similar and remained moderate in the experimental and control groups; that there wasn’t any statistically difference between the groups (p<0.05); and that the mean state anxiety score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group (Control: 43.40 ± 5.42, Experimental: 31.50 ± 4.73) and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). The state anxiety level was found to be reduced in all children – regardless of the variables – with the training provided through therapeutic play. Conclusion: Children provided training with therapeutic play before the intervention can reduce their anxiety during procedures, such as peripheral catheterization. The use of therapeutic play made widespread in health institutions will decrease both pain and suffering in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]