Using participatory and creative research methods to develop and pilot an informative game for preparing children for blood tests

Abstract

Background:. We sought to develop and evaluate a prototype “tool” to help prepare children for having their  blood taken, a procedure most feared by children. Methods: A user-experience design, using creative arts was utilized. Twenty-three children aged 4–12 with haematological conditions participated. Phase 1 involved children developing a blood preparatory “tool” alongside an illustrator. Phase 2 involved children trialing a paper prototype of the “tool”, in the form of Blood Quest, a game designed to take children on a journey around the body learning about the blood as they go. Results:. Half of all children said they felt better about having their blood taken after playing the game and half reported feeling the same. Most children found the game fun and informative,. Conclusions: This small-scale pilot evaluation suggests that with further refinement, the game has the potential for young children to feel more informed and less frightened about having their blood taken.