Efficacy of Audio-Visual Modality in Improving the Experience of Children Undergoing Endocrine Stimulation Tests

Background: Medical procedures applied using needles are one of the most common sources of anxiety for children. Intravenous catheterization for several blood sampling, as performed during endocrine stimulation tests (EndoStimT) is one of those procedures. Use of audio-visual modalities (AVM) relieves anxiety among children during painful procedures.

Objective: To evaluate the benefit of AVM, as an explanatory tool, for pre-procedural instruction to children prior to EndoStimT.

Methods: This is a case-control study, based on a prospective follow-up of clinic practices. Since January 2020 all children undergoing EndoStimT at Shamir (Assaf-Harofe) Medical Center received an AVM based explanation prior to the testing procedure. Until then, all patients received an oral explanation by the nurse. All children undergoing EndoStimT filled satisfaction and pain questionnaires starting January 2018, as part of practice. Patients were assigned to control group, or AVM group according to the explanation they received. Outcome parameters included satisfaction from explanation by 10 questions with 1-5 scale, and response on pain scale.

Results: AVM group included 105 participants, 46% males, mean age 8.61±3.75 years. Control group included 73 participants, 39% males, mean age 9.42 ±3.29 years. The reported level of fear of procedure prior to any explanation was similar. Patients from the AVM group compared with the control group reported of lower level of fear and anxiety prior to test (p=0.002), more detailed and clear explanation (p=0.006), and felt more to have received all required explanation (p=0.004).

Conclusion: Using AVM prior to EndoStimT may improve children`s experience from the procedure.