Nurse-Led Therapeutic Play: Effects on Pediatric Procedural Anxiety
Advisor(s)
Angela SpallingerÂ
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 11:50 AM
Abstract
Abstract
Problem: Hospitalization and procedures can be difficult for children. Unfamiliar places can make children scared, nervous, and increase anxiety levels. Children with high anxiety in hospitals make the procedures harder, increase distress, and affect how children cope during their hospital stay. Due to this, reducing anxiety is an important part of caring for pediatric children. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate strategies to reduce anxiety in hospitalized children. A control group method will be used to compare anxiety levels.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of nurse-led therapeutic play using age-appropriate interactive activities on anxiety levels in hospitalized children aged 4-10 years undergoing medical procedures.
Methods: The research design is a quantitative, quasi-experimental, control-group design. The hospitalized children participating in the study will be divided into two groups. The control group (standard care) will be compared to the experimental group (therapeutic play). Anxiety levels were measured 30 minutes after the intervention between the children who received the nurse-led therapeutic play and those who received standard nursing care without therapeutic play.
Conclusion: This study may provide evidence if therapeutic play sufficiently improves anxiety 30 minutes after the intervention. Adding play into routine care improves the child's anxiety and experience, and helps support clinical practice.
Recommended Citation
Key, Elizabeth G., "Nurse-Led Therapeutic Play: Effects on Pediatric Procedural Anxiety" (2026). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 40.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2026/Posters/40
Open Access
Available to all.
Nurse-Led Therapeutic Play: Effects on Pediatric Procedural Anxiety
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Abstract
Problem: Hospitalization and procedures can be difficult for children. Unfamiliar places can make children scared, nervous, and increase anxiety levels. Children with high anxiety in hospitals make the procedures harder, increase distress, and affect how children cope during their hospital stay. Due to this, reducing anxiety is an important part of caring for pediatric children. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate strategies to reduce anxiety in hospitalized children. A control group method will be used to compare anxiety levels.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of nurse-led therapeutic play using age-appropriate interactive activities on anxiety levels in hospitalized children aged 4-10 years undergoing medical procedures.
Methods: The research design is a quantitative, quasi-experimental, control-group design. The hospitalized children participating in the study will be divided into two groups. The control group (standard care) will be compared to the experimental group (therapeutic play). Anxiety levels were measured 30 minutes after the intervention between the children who received the nurse-led therapeutic play and those who received standard nursing care without therapeutic play.
Conclusion: This study may provide evidence if therapeutic play sufficiently improves anxiety 30 minutes after the intervention. Adding play into routine care improves the child's anxiety and experience, and helps support clinical practice.