A recent study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing shows that positive experiences with clinicians can alleviate childrens’ fear and anxiety about wound treatments.

Examination and treatment often cause children to fear wound care management as the experience can be uncomfortable and painful. This study shows how using techniques such as distracting children and making them feel safe and secure during their wound care sessions can help ease their pain.

By enhancing childrens' experiences within four contexts: physical, psychospiritual, environmental and sociocultural, this study shows that security and comfort are far more important for children than simply using analgesics when having wound treatments.

To see the study, click here.

Image: Child examined by nurses. Credit: U.S. Navy Imagery on Flickr.