Authors (including presenting author) :
Yung SL, Sin MW, Choi WK, Lo WC, Chiu SW, Szeto L
Affiliation :
Ambulatory Surgery Services, Department of Anaesthesia & Operating Theatre Services, Tseung Kwan O Hospital
Introduction :
Hospital Play Service has been developed in Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH) in 2019 with promising effects in minimizing negative emotions of children undergoing operations. However, a service gap has been identified since its interruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help children cope better and be positive with operations, tele-consultation play service is an alternative during the pandemic.
Objectives :
To facilitate tele-consultation play service in promoting positive atmosphere for young children (3-12 years old) undergoing operations in TKOH.
Methodology :
Perioperative education programme of tele-consultation play service in PowerPoints and videos were designed, and a workgroup with play specialists was established. After obtaining consents from parents, tele-consultations were arranged one day before operations. Virtual interactions with therapeutic tools helped children to be psychologically prepared for operations. Working in close partnership, concerns identified by play specialists were assessed. Primary nurses also provided emotional support and positive reinforcement on the operation day. Self-rating anxiety and emotion scales were used before and after interventions.
Result & Outcome :
Tele-consultation play service has been conducted in TKOH since December 2020. Until September 2021, 62 groups of parents and children have been recruited. With a majority of children having their first operations, 60% of children had moderate to severe levels of anxiety, 73% of them expressed fear and nervousness towards operations. After interventions, 66% of children had improvements in emotion and anxiety levels, 40% of them even expressed happiness and bravery towards operations. Among those without remarkable effects, 81% of them showed positive emotions towards operations before interventions. All parents agreed the service was helpful and supported the service. Tele-consultation play service is safe and effective in helping children psychological prepared for operations. The modified Hospital Play Service with tele-consultations should be promoted to improve the delivery of healthcare under the global pandemic.
