The Effect of Parental Active Participation on Pain and Anxiety in Supporting Children With Cancer Experiencing a Venipuncture: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Background

During cancer treatment, children are exposed to many painful procedures. In some areas of the world, the most common exposure may be the venipuncture procedure. This painful process causes increased anxiety in children. Studies have reported that sometimes pain procedures are more traumatic than the disease itself. In general pediatrics, parent support is effective in reducing pain and anxiety during venipuncture. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of parental involvement on relieving pain and anxiety in children with cancer during venipuncture compared to children whose parents were present but not involved.

Method

This randomized controlled trial included 60 participants receiving hospitalized in the pediatric oncology clinic. Through randomization, 30 children had parents coached in supportive behaviors (parental involvement) and 30 children had parents present but without coaching as a usual care control group.

Results

Compared to children in the control group, children in the parental involvement group had significantly lower pain (p < .001) and anxiety (p < .001) scores reported after the procedure and lower heart rates during the procedure (p < .05).

Discussion

Results support the efficacy of parental involvement compared to routine procedures such as venipuncture. Building on these results, future research is needed on how to involve the parent during the procedure and for which types of children and parental presence have the best effect.