Effects of a Smart Phone Individualized Distraction Intervention on Anxiety in Pre-Op Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify whether individualized distraction intervention using a smart phone affected pre-op anxiety of children. Methods: This was a nonequivalent control group pre-post test quasi-experimental design. The participants were 30 children in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. In experimental group, a smart phone individualized distraction intervention was given to children from the reception area to the operation room. Results: For heart rate, there were no statistically significant differences between the experimental group and control group. In the behavioral anxiety response, there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and control group (t=-3.11, p=.003). Conclusion: The finding suggest that, for pre-op children, the individualized distraction intervention using a smart phone had some significance as a nursing intervention having a positive impact. Such interventions can help pediatric nurses to relieve pre-op anxiety and improve health of children in their care.