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Group Preparation of Pediatric Surgical Patients
Author(s) -
McGrath Margaret M.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
image
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1547-5069
pISSN - 0363-2792
DOI - 10.1111/j.1547-5069.1979.tb01434.x
Subject(s) - medicine , anxiety , physical therapy , pediatrics , psychiatry
The purpose of this study was to validate the effect of group preparation, designed to increase pediatric surgical children's (and their parents) adaptation to hospitalization. Forty‐four children, aged 3–12, admitted for tonsillectomies were randomly assigned to either group condition or control. These were compared to forty children receiving individual Stress Point Preparation from a study done in the same institution three months earlier. Both the group and the individual intervention were based on a combination of systematic preparation, rehearsal, and supportive care conducted prior to each stressful procedure. Group preparation also included: (a) peer exposure, support and identification, (b) group process, and (c) group teaching. The children's hospital adjustment was measured by blind ratings of behavioral upset and cooperation during the blood test, medication injection, induction, and post operative fluid intake and by recovery room medication and pulse rates and time to first voiding. Post hospital adjustment was assessed with the Vernon et. al., Post Hospital Behavior Inventory. Parent outcome measures included self ratings for anxiety and satisfaction with information and care. As hypothesized, children prepared in a group showed significantly less upset and more cooperation, and their parents were better informed and more satisfied than did children receiving individual preparation or those in the control.