2024, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part C

author(s)
Sasi M, X Emerensia, Karthigaieswari and Suja Santosh

abstract
Children undergoing abdominal surgery frequently experience significant pain and discomfort during postoperative wound dressing, posing physical and psychological challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of augmented reality (AR) as a non-pharmacological intervention for pain and comfort management during wound dressing among children aged 5-12 years at a selected hospital in Coimbatore. The conceptual framework used in the study was Roy's Adaptation Model (1996), which focuses on helping individuals adapt to changes in physiological needs, self-concept, and role functions. A quantitative evaluation approach with a quasi-experimental post-test-only control group design was adopted. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to include 50 children, 25 in the experimental group to receive the AR intervention, and 25 in the control group. The data collection tool and technique involved an interview schedule for demographic data, bio-physiological parameters measured by a pediatric cardiac monitor, the Children's and Infants' Postoperative Pain Scale (CHIPPS) for pain assessment, and a modified comfort scale for comfort assessment. The AR intervention, involved a 10-minute Pokémon game during wound dressing on the 1st and 2nd postoperative days, and the effectiveness was evaluated by observing children’s pain reactions, comfort levels, and bio-physiological parameters. Tools' validity was ensured through expert feedback and reliability by the inter-rater method. A pilot study was done to confirm the feasibility, prior to the main study. Ethical considerations included obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Ethical Committee, formal written permission from hospital authorities, informed consent from the children and their parents and privacy and confidentiality were maintained throughout the study. The major findings of the study showed that there was a significant difference in mean pain and comfort score in experimental and control group. In experimental group, the mean pain score was 5.24 and in control group the mean pain score was 12.20 (t=27.634, df=48, p<0.05). In experimental group, the mean comfort score was 5.22 and in control group mean comfort score was 13.56 (t=26.008, df=48, p<0.05) during wound dressing. The study concluded that the augmented reality intervention was effective in reducing pain and increase comfort during wound dressing.