Cognitive behavioral and behavioral interventions help young children cope during a voiding cystourethrogram

Abstract

Objective: To reduce young children's distress and increase coping behavior among children undergoing a voiding cystourethrogram (VCU). Methods: Three- to seven-year-old children were stratified based on prior VCU experience and randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 20) or a standard care (n = 20) condition. The intervention included provision of information, coping skills training, and parent coaching. We hypothesized that the intervention would reduce children's distress as assessed by child report, parent and technician ratings, and behavioral observations. Results: Children in the intervention displayed fewer distress behaviors and greater coping behaviors and were rated as more cooperative than children receiving standard care. Children's fear and pain ratings did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions: A cognitive-behavioral treatment package effectively reduced children's distress, increased coping, and increased cooperation during voiding cystourethrogram procedures. This type of an intervention should be integrated into routine pediatric radiological procedures.