Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The acute pain management guidelines put forth by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research recommend that inpatient pediatric procedures be performed in a treatment room rather than in a child's hospital room. However, hospitals vary widely in their use of treatment rooms for pediatric procedures. Because there has been little empirical investigation of this clinical issue, the present study explores the preferences of parents and children regarding the performance site of inpatient procedures.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred and sixty parents of hospitalized children three to 14 years of age were interviewed about previous experience with medical procedures, procedure site preference (treatment room or hospital room) and reasons for room preference. Children five years of age and older were also asked for their preferences regarding the procedure site.RESULTS: The hospital room was preferred by the majority of parents and children for minor procedures (blood test, intravenous insertion, bandage change) for reasons consisting primarily of the child's emotional or physical comfort, convenience and difficulties moving the child due to motor impairment or medical condition. The treatment room was generally selected for more invasive procedures (lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirations, bladder catheterizations) due to concerns for the privacy of the child and roommate, and the need for special equipment or supplies.CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that parents and children may prefer the hospital room or treatment room for a variety of different reasons. More research is needed in this area to develop better guidelines regarding the performance of inpatient pediatric procedures.