Nursing – Child Life Collaboration: A Driving Force for Quality Care

Purpose:
The poster will demonstrate the impact of child life interventions in the pediatric emergency department on quality care, satisfaction and interdisciplinary collaboration with nursing. Results of a pilot study will be shared which include lower patient anxiety and increased parent satisfaction.

Background/Significance:
Research has demonstrated that pediatric emergency department visits can be highly stressful. Child life interventions, including preparation and distraction, reduce anxiety, improve cooperation, and decrease sedation needs. While child life programs are available in larger pediatric programs, they are less standard in emergency departments. This pilot study explored the impact of preparation and distraction on procedure-related distress in children treated for laceration repair.

Methods:
A quasi-experimental study was conducted using a convenience sample procedure. Distress and parent ratings of satisfaction were compared between children who received interventions for laceration repair provided by a child life specialist (CLS) and children who did not. Sample size included 24 patients in the pediatric emergency department. Patients receiving the intervention were provided with age appropriate preparation and distraction during the procedure. All interventions were provided by a CLS, based on a standardized protocol. The comparison group received standard nursing care before and during suturing without any individualized preparation or distraction from the CLS.

Results:
Results showed that children who received interventions in conjunction with standard nursing care had lower observed distress behaviors during suturing compared with patients who did not receive the intervention. Parents of patients who received the intervention perceived less distress in their children and rated their overall care significantly higher. Press Ganey reports and anecdotal information demonstrated child life/nursing collaboration as a driving force in improving patient satisfaction and increasing return likelihood to the facility. Also noted were decreased procedural times, decreased anxiety, increased compliance and better comprehension by caregivers of procedures.

Conclusions and Implications for Practice:
Nursing/child life partnerships are essential in all pediatric settings, inclusive of emergency departments, improving quality and helping facilities compete in the current healthcare market. Programs will be shared for enhancing patient care, satisfaction and interdisciplinary communication.