Graduation Year
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Degree Name
Doctor in Psychology (Psy. D.)
Abstract
Procedural anxiety is a broad concept that encompasses fear, distress, and pain. Anxiety is the most critical factor affecting pain perception. There is a growing body of literature suggesting that early pain might have long-term consequences. There is also research evidence that has linked inadequately managed pain in the pediatric population to negative behavioral and physiological consequences later in life. Pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis. These chronic conditions often require multiple and repeated medical procedures that may cause pediatric patients to experience procedural anxiety. Needle related procedures are any procedures involving the use of needles for medical purposes such as immunization, venipuncture, IV insertions, intramuscular, or subcutaneous injections. The literature and relevant theories are discussed. A proposed training protocol for nursing staff in an infusion center is presented and this author created resource handouts for nurses, parents, and caregivers. A social narrative written by this author is presented. Also included are distraction card easel prototypes developed by this author to be used as a distraction technique to reduce procedural anxiety. An illustrative case study is presented to show the application of psychological interventions in reducing procedural anxiety. The future utility of the protocol, adapting to individual differences, and future directions are discussed.
Keywords: Procedural anxiety, pediatric, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), social narrative, distraction, needle related procedures, comfort positions, procedural support.
Faculty Mentor
Theresa Botts, Ph.D.
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Committee Member
Dustin Wygant, Ph.D.
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Committee Member
Michael McClellan, Ph.D.
Department Affiliation
Psychology
Copyright
2023 Mera El Ramahi
Recommended Citation
El Ramahi, Mera, "Child Pain Matters: A Training Protocol for General Nursing Staff in an Infusion Center on Procedural Anxiety in Pediatric Patients with Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis." (2023). Psychology Doctoral Specialization Projects. 38.
https://encompass.eku.edu/psych_doctorals/38
