Effectiveness of Multisensoral Nature-based Intervention in Hospitalized Children During Venous Blood Sampling

Effectiveness of Multisensoral Nature-based Intervention in Hospitalized Children Aged 5 to 9 Years During Venous Blood Sampling: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of multisensoral nature-based intervention compare to standard care in relieving anxiety, fear and pain in hospitalized child aged 5 to 9 years and parent's anxiety and satisfaction during venous blood sampling. The assessment uses different measures to assess child's anxiety, fear, pain and parent's anxiety and satisfaction during venous blood sampling.

The RCT study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of multisensoral nature-based intervention compare to standard care in relieving anxiety, fear and pain in hospitalized child aged 5 to 9 years and parent's anxiety and satisfaction during venous blood sampling. The intervention includes a multi-sensory nature experience using natural materials and a virtually created natural environment. The study will include children and parents in the intervention group (N=53, receiving the multisensoral nature-based intervention) and children and parents in the control group (N=53, receiving usual care). The children's blood sampling will be videotaped. The assessment uses different measures assess to child's anxiety (mYPAS = The modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale), child's fear (CFC = Children Fear Scale), child's pain (FAS = Facial Affective Scale), parent's anxiety (STAY-Y1 = The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) and satisfaction (VAS = Visual Analogue Scale) during venous blood sampling. In addition, heart rate (HR) measurement are used to assess the child's anxiety, fear and pain. The data will be analysed using statistical methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The child is aged between 5 and 9 years old
2. The child has a long-term illness (such as diabetes or rheumatism)
3. The child has previous experience of venous blood sampling
4. The child's level of development is age-appropriate (such as, the child is cared for at home or in day care/day nursery or attends school in the same level as the other children)
5. Child and parent understand and speak the Finnish language

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The child has a diagnosis of abnormal neurological development (such as, a child has difficulty understanding spoken language or expressing emotions)
2. The child has chronic pain that has lasted more than 3 months and requires strong painkillers (opiates).
3. The child undergoes an examination or treatment during a check-up at the outpatient clinic that requires medical treatment similar to anesthesia
4. The child is taking a sedative medication.