Practical application and evaluation of a care model for informing and reassuring children undergoing medical examinations and/or procedures (part 2): Methods of relating and practical nursing techniques that best bring out the potential of children

• Published in: Japan journal of nursing science : JJNS 2006-06, Vol.3 (1), p.51-64
• Main Authors: MATSUMORI, Naomi, NINOMIYA, Keiko, EBINA, Michiko, KATADA, Noriko, KATSUDA, Hitomi, KOSAKO, Yukie, SASAKI, Shinobu, MATSUBAYASHI, Tomomi, NAKANO, Ayami, TSUTSUI, Mayumi, IIMURA, Naoko, EMOTO, Rina, SUZUKI, Atsuko, NARAGINO, Hiromi, TAKAHASHI, Sayako, KISUGI, Namiko, HUKUCHI, Makiko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: care model; Cooperation; evaluation; Informed consent; Pediatrics; Physical examinations; potential ability of children; practical nursing techniques
• ISSN: 1742-7932; 1742-7924
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-7924.2006.00052.x

Aim:  Based on previous surveys, we developed a care model for informing and reassuring children undergoing medical examinations and/or procedures that respects the dignity of pediatric patients and their parents and aims to realize the potential of children. Method:  We enlisted the cooperation of nurses working in eight pediatric wards in five hospitals in the Kanto and Kansai areas in applying the care model on a trial basis and evaluating its effect in monthly meetings. Results:  Analysis of the 82 case reports received produced four categories. Here, we will concentrate on the second category, “bringing out the potential of children: methods of relating and nursing techniques attempted and used”, and eight subcategories. Five subcategories are related to the care model. Children tolerated procedures best when: they were provided with an explanation; were allowed to make choices related to the procedure; continuous explanations were given during procedures; the timing of the procedure suited the child; and distraction techniques were used. Three subcategories are not related to the care model and were newly identified as it was applied: negotiation with the child; cooperation of the mother and family; and the influence of first impressions. Conclusions:  We found that nurses were best able to bring out the potential of children while protecting patient dignity by combining and continuing these various techniques.