853 Mission to mars: using story art to ease anxiety and improve empathy in a children’s emergency department (CED)

Abstract

Aims/Objectives/BackgroundWhilst working in CED one of the most significant challenges has been effective communication with parents and children of all ages. These difficulties can lead to an unclear understanding of a child’s management plan, and specifically its individual steps. This can produce undue anxiety for both parent and child. We decided to focus on creating a tool, to help navigate parents and children through a ketamine reduction of a broken limb. The aims of the digital learning intervention would be to improve patient experience by reducing stress and anxiety and educating them on the plan as it is put into place. This would be in keeping with the Department of Health’s framework for technology enhanced learning as it aims to improve patient outcomes, safety and experience.Methods/DesignWe produced a narrated video story using hand drawn artwork, cartoon effects and video making software plus an optional e-book for parents to read to their children to give a more familiar voice to an already anxious child. The video drew from multiple educational theories and evidence in multimedia education to design an initial protoype. Initially this was specifically for an infant journey through Minor Injuries requiring a ketamine reduction for a bendy limb. Following feedback, the project is being adapted to different journeys ahead of user testing.Results/ConclusionsEvaluation at multiple levels is presently ongoing and is showing positive feedback however further work is required to fully evaluate this project.This can overall help both parent and child in an environment they are otherwise unfamiliar with and during a potentially distressing time. The project opens the doors to multiple designs for both inclusivity and diversity. Furthermore, this can be adapted by different departments and different hospitals keeping the patient at the centre of care.