Preoperative distraction in children: hand-held videogames vs clown therapy


Submitted: 9 February 2015
Accepted: 9 February 2015
Published: 30 December 2014
Abstract Views: 6727
PDF: 3675
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Authors

  • M. Messina Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
  • F. Molinaro Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
  • D. Meucci Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
  • R. Angotti Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
  • L. Giuntini Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Siena, Italy.
  • E. Cerchia Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
  • A.L. Bulotta Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
  • E. Brandigi Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological sciences, University of Siena, Italy.
Anxiety in children undergoing surgery is characterized by feelings of tension, apprehension, nervousness and fear which may manifest differently. Postoperative behavioural changes such as nocturnal enuresis, feeding disorders, apathy, and sleep disturbances may stem from postoperative anxiety. Some Authors pointed out that over 60% of children undergoing surgery are prone to developing behavioural alterations 2 weeks after surgery. Variables such as age, temperament and anxiety both in children and parents are considered predictors of such changes.1 Studies were published describing how psycho-behavioural interventions based on play, learning and entertainment in preparing children for surgery, may reduce preoperative anxiety. Clown-therapy is applied in the most important paediatric facilities and has proved to diminish children’s emotional distress and sufferance, as well as consumption of both analgesics and sedatives and to facilitate the achievement of therapeutic goals. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of clown-therapy during the child’s hospital stay, with a view to optimizing treatment and care, preventing behavioural alterations and enhancing the child’s overall life quality.

Messina, M., Molinaro, F., Meucci, D., Angotti, R., Giuntini, L., Cerchia, E., Bulotta, A., & Brandigi, E. (2014). Preoperative distraction in children: hand-held videogames vs clown therapy. La Pediatria Medica E Chirurgica, 36(5-6). https://doi.org/10.4081/pmc.2014.98

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