Ms Dinah Humphries1, Mrs Olivia Cameron1, Dr Henry Craig2, Dr Sophie Dickson3, Prof Simon Craig1,2
1Monash Health, Clayton, Australia, 2Monash University, Clayton, Australia, 3University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
Biography:
Dinah Humphries is a Child Life Therapist and Registered Music Therapist with seven years' clinical experience at Monash Children’s Hospital. Currently senior CLT clinician in the acute paediatric team, she is passionate about procedural support and children’s rights. In 2022, she received an Emerging Researcher Fellowship to examine pain and distress in children undergoing routine hospital procedures. With a background in early childhood education, she has extensive experience supporting diverse families, particularly children with additional needs. Dinah is committed to advancing child life therapy research in Australia, and this marks her first presentation at the National Allied Health Conference.
Abstract:
Background:
Many children undergo medical interventions during their childhood. Existing literature indicates that common medical procedures are perceived as highly painful and distressing. However, standardised care interventions to support children remain limited. This study, conducted at a tertiary paediatric hospital, investigated how factors such as age, parental presence and procedural supports influence children's self-reported pain and distress during common medical procedures. It also examined carers’ perceptions of their child’s distress and assessed the effectiveness of procedural support measures in reducing negative experiences.
Method:
This mixed-methods study used an online survey for paediatric patients and their parents/carers attending our hospital, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data regarding their procedural experience. Post-procedure responses were collected via QR code or bedside interviews.
Results:
Data were collected regarding 163 children [86(52.8%) female patients, 75(46%) male patients, 1(0.6%) non-binary patient, 1(0.6%) prefer not to say] and 155 parent/carer responses were included. Procedures reported included venepunctures [73(28%)], cannula insertions [78(30%)], MRIs [22(8%)], and nasogastric tube insertions [19(7%)] with nasogastric tube insertions reported as the most painful and distressing.
Discussion:
To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted at our hospital to examine the patient experience of pain and distress during common medical interventions. Our findings indicate that patients and carers perceive nasogastric insertions, blood tests and cannula insertions, as the most painful and distressing procedures. These results underscore the need for targeted resources and initiatives to enhance the procedural experience for children, their families, and healthcare staff.