Interactive media as a tool for reducing waiting anxiety at paediatric rehabilitation hospitals: a randomized controlled trial

• DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13646
• Publication Date: 2017-12-16T21:31:22Z
• Authors: Elaine Biddiss; Tara Joy Knibbe; Darcy Fehlings; Patricia Mckeever; Ashley Cohen; Amy Mcpherson
• Keywords: Male; Adolescent; Decision Making; Anxiety; Hospitals, Pediatric; Disabled Children; 3. Good health; Appointments and Schedules; Young Adult; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Child, Preschool; Humans; Female; Health Facilities; Child

Aim To investigate the efficacy of waiting room media for reducing anxiety and increasing satisfaction at a paediatric rehabilitation hospital. Method In this clustered, parallel, randomized controlled trial, 310 young people with disabilities (age range 5–19y) their parents attending outpatient clinics were assigned to interactive ( n =113), silent nature video =97), or media‐free comparison =100) groups. Young person parent was reported using State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory STAI ) on arrival after 10 minutes in space. Questionnaires measured person, parent, staff satisfaction. Results exposed postexposure state that 1.1 raw points (2.7 standardized points) lower than group (95% confidence interval [ CI ] −1.9 −0.22). There no difference between passive groups −0.64 1.1). Parents’ did not differ conditions, but associated greater p =0.009). Of 120 staff, 119 improved clinic experience families. Interpretation Interactive designed accessible, hands‐free play mitigate increases This paper provides evidence guide design decision‐making around use health care spaces. What adds reduced preclinic disabilities. accessible mobility. increased parental clinic. Guidelines hands‐free, inclusive facilities are presented.