*This dissertation is a compound document (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation). The CD requires the following system requirements: Windows MediaPlayer or RealPlayer. / Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of preoperative therapeutic play on the immediate preoperative and postoperative outcomes of Hong Kong Chinese children undergoing surgery, and their parents in a day surgery unit. / An intervention study was conducted in the second phase of the study. A randomized controlled trial, two-group pretest and repeated posttest, between subjects design was employed. Hong Kong Chinese children (7-12 years of age; N = 203) admitted for elective surgery in a day surgery unit during a 13-month period, were invited to participate in the study along with their parents. By using a simple complete randomisation method, 97 children with their parents were assigned to the experimental group receiving therapeutic play intervention, and 106 children with their parents were assigned to the control group receiving routine information preparation. / Background. Surgery causes considerable stress and anxiety that can have a profound effect on both children and their parents. Therefore, they need to be well prepared before surgery to minimize their anxiety, enhance their feeling of control, and promote positive post-operative outcomes. With the increasing number and complexity of paediatric surgery being performed in day surgery units, there is a compelling need for nurses to develop and evaluate appropriate interventions tailored to the needs of children and parents so as to enhance their ability to cope with surgery. / Conclusion. The first phase of this study confirmed the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the State and Trait Anxiety Scales for Children, and the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale. The results also support the appropriateness of these instruments as clinical research tools in evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative nursing interventions. / Methods. The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase consisted of developing and testing the psychometric properties of three instruments that were used in the second phase of the study. These instruments included the Chinese version of the State Anxiety Scale for Children, the Chinese version of the Trait Anxiety Scale for Children, and the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale. / Results. The results showed that both children and parents in the experimental group reported statistically significant lower state anxiety scores than the control group in both pre- and post-operative periods. Children in the experimental group also exhibited statistically significant fewer instances of negative emotional behaviours, displayed lower heart rates and mean arterial blood pressures. Additionally, parents in the experimental group reported significantly higher level of satisfaction with the preoperative nursing preparation given. The results, however, did not find statistically significant differences in children's postoperative pain scores and post-hospital adjustment between the two groups. / Significance of the study. It is anticipated that this study could increase nurses' understanding of the emotional responses of children undergoing surgery and enrich their experience in using child-sensitive research tools in evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative nursing interventions. Most importantly, this research provides empirical evidence of the benefits of incorporating therapeutic play in the preoperative preparation of children and parents thus charting a path towards promoting holistic and quality care.* / The second phase of this study had addressed a gap in the literature by empirically testing the effectiveness of the therapeutic play intervention in preparing children for surgery, and their parents, which had been under-researched. It also provides empirical evidence that therapeutic play, using preoperative tour visit to the operating theatre, doll demonstration and return demonstration on the procedure of anaesthesia, is more effective in improving immediately pre- and post-operative outcomes of children and their parents than information-based preparation alone. / Therapeutic play has been used as a psychological preparation for helping children cope with the stress of hospitalisation. However, the majority of previous studies into the effect of therapeutic play were based only on theories and clinical observations. The lack of empirical evidence makes it difficult to determine precisely the effectiveness of therapeutic play. Therefore, there is vital need for more rigorous empirical scrutiny. / Li Ho Cheung William. / "July 2005." / Advisers: Violeta Lopez; Chung Kwong Yeung. / Includes supplementary digital materials. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6309. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 335-354). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

A autora realizou uma revisão crítica da literatura a respeito dos recursos, técnicas psicoterapêuticas e métodos de intervenção utilizados para a abordagem e apoio psicológico à criança internada em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva e a seus pais, visando o enfrentamento desta situação crítica. Com o advento das UTIs Pediátricas e Neonatais e a recuperação cada vez mais freqüente de crianças gravemente enfermas, tornou-se necessária a especialização do pediatra nesta área. No entanto, apesar do avanço e crescente sofisticação dos recursos tecnológicos para tratamento clínico e cirúrgico destas crianças, constatou-se que o conhecimento e abordagem do impacto psicológico da doença grave na criança e sua família ainda é bastante rudimentar. Tendo em vista o atendimento holístico da criança em risco de vida, toda a família foi considerada como paciente, colocando-se a prioridade de atendimento na relação médico-família. Vários autores reforçaram a importância desta conduta, destacando que a família representa um apoio muito importante para a criança doente, durante a internação e após a alta. Para implantar técnicas de acordo com essa filosofia de atendimento, demonstrou-se que é necessário o conhecimento das reações emocionais das crianças internadas e de seus pais, além da interação da família com a equipe multidisciplinar. No apoio à criança os autores consultados valorizaram as técnicas de fornecimento de informações, a explicação dos procedimentos e do que vai sentir, a possibilidade de utilizar brinquedos de forma terapêutica e recreativa durante as fases clínicas mais estáveis e a permissão para visitas em horários mais livres, inclusive dos irmãos. Quanto ao atendimento aos pais, preconizou-se a aplicação de questionários específicos para a avaliação do grau de estresse dos mesmos, e o grupo de pais, com resultados bastante satisfatórios. Valorizaram a realização de uma anamnese cuidadosa, levantando os recursos psicológicos da família e as formas como lidaram com situações de crise anteriores. Aconselharam a reforçar os pontos positivos, incentivando a família a reativar seus recursos para que possam lidar satisfatoriamente com o evento estressante de ter um filho internado na UTI. Foram propostas atividades que permitam a participação dos pais nos cuidados com a criança, mantendo o sentimento de que são necessários, e reforçando o vínculo pais-filho doente. Ressaltaram a importância da veracidade e freqüência das informações, tanto para o paciente como para seus pais. Advertiram que fornecer informações sem o apoio necessário para que estas sejam compreendidas, suportadas e corretamente avaliadas pode ser prejudicial, preconizando vários tipos de recursos, como encaminhamento a especialistas, psiquiatras, assistentes sociais e padres para auxiliar nas orientações. Os autores foram unânimes em afirmar que todas as técnicas e recursos para apoio psicológico ao doente grave e sua família requerem a conscientização de sua importância, preparo e tempo dos profissionais envolvidos. / The author performed a critical revision of the literature about the resources, psychotherapeutic techniques and intervention methods used for psychological support to children in pediatric intensive care units and their parents, to cope with this critical situation. With the beginning of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units the recovery of critically ill children became more frequent, and the specialization of the pediatrician more necessary. Nevertheless, in spite of the advances and growing sophistication of the tecnological resources for clinical and surgical treatments of these children, the knowledge and treatment of the psychological impact of the critical illness in children and families is still rudimentary. For holistic treatment of critically ill children, the authors considered the whole family as patient. Many authors stressed the importance of this approach, considering the family an important support for the sick child, during the internation and after discharge. To improve techniques according to this philosophy of treatment, it was demonstrated that the knowledge of emotional reactions of sick children and of their parents, and the interaction with the multidisciplinary staff are necessary. To give emotional support to children, the authors preconized techniques for information supply, explanations about pain and procedures, the possibility to utilize toys in a therapeutic and recreative way and the permission to frequent visits including the brothers. In regard to helping the parents, many authors have applied questionnaires to evaluate stress. Also, the parents\' groups have been utilized with good results. They suggest the performance of a careful anamnesis, in search of psychological resources of the family and ways of coping with previous critical situations. It has been advised to reinforce the positive resources of the family to cope with the situation in a satisfactory way. Many authors suggested activities to increase the parents\' participation in the care of their children, reinforcing that they are necessary and important for the sick child. The importance to give realistic information to the patient and his parents and the possibility to participate in medical decisions are stressed. To give information without support can be harmful. Sometimes, referring to specialists like psychiatrists, social workers and priests may be necessary. The authors stressed that all the techniques and resources for emotional support to critically ill children and their parents require the awareness os its importance and time and preparation of the multidisciplinary staff involved.

A autora realizou uma revisão crítica da literatura a respeito dos recursos, técnicas psicoterapêuticas e métodos de intervenção utilizados para a abordagem e apoio psicológico à criança internada em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva e a seus pais, visando o enfrentamento desta situação crítica. Com o advento das UTIs Pediátricas e Neonatais e a recuperação cada vez mais freqüente de crianças gravemente enfermas, tornou-se necessária a especialização do pediatra nesta área. No entanto, apesar do avanço e crescente sofisticação dos recursos tecnológicos para tratamento clínico e cirúrgico destas crianças, constatou-se que o conhecimento e abordagem do impacto psicológico da doença grave na criança e sua família ainda é bastante rudimentar. Tendo em vista o atendimento holístico da criança em risco de vida, toda a família foi considerada como paciente, colocando-se a prioridade de atendimento na relação médico-família. Vários autores reforçaram a importância desta conduta, destacando que a família representa um apoio muito importante para a criança doente, durante a internação e após a alta. Para implantar técnicas de acordo com essa filosofia de atendimento, demonstrou-se que é necessário o conhecimento das reações emocionais das crianças internadas e de seus pais, além da interação da família com a equipe multidisciplinar. No apoio à criança os autores consultados valorizaram as técnicas de fornecimento de informações, a explicação dos procedimentos e do que vai sentir, a possibilidade de utilizar brinquedos de forma terapêutica e recreativa durante as fases clínicas mais estáveis e a permissão para visitas em horários mais livres, inclusive dos irmãos. Quanto ao atendimento aos pais, preconizou-se a aplicação de questionários específicos para a avaliação do grau de estresse dos mesmos, e o grupo de pais, com resultados bastante satisfatórios. Valorizaram a realização de uma anamnese cuidadosa, levantando os recursos psicológicos da família e as formas como lidaram com situações de crise anteriores. Aconselharam a reforçar os pontos positivos, incentivando a família a reativar seus recursos para que possam lidar satisfatoriamente com o evento estressante de ter um filho internado na UTI. Foram propostas atividades que permitam a participação dos pais nos cuidados com a criança, mantendo o sentimento de que são necessários, e reforçando o vínculo pais-filho doente. Ressaltaram a importância da veracidade e freqüência das informações, tanto para o paciente como para seus pais. Advertiram que fornecer informações sem o apoio necessário para que estas sejam compreendidas, suportadas e corretamente avaliadas pode ser prejudicial, preconizando vários tipos de recursos, como encaminhamento a especialistas, psiquiatras, assistentes sociais e padres para auxiliar nas orientações. Os autores foram unânimes em afirmar que todas as técnicas e recursos para apoio psicológico ao doente grave e sua família requerem a conscientização de sua importância, preparo e tempo dos profissionais envolvidos. / The author performed a critical revision of the literature about the resources, psychotherapeutic techniques and intervention methods used for psychological support to children in pediatric intensive care units and their parents, to cope with this critical situation. With the beginning of Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units the recovery of critically ill children became more frequent, and the specialization of the pediatrician more necessary. Nevertheless, in spite of the advances and growing sophistication of the tecnological resources for clinical and surgical treatments of these children, the knowledge and treatment of the psychological impact of the critical illness in children and families is still rudimentary. For holistic treatment of critically ill children, the authors considered the whole family as patient. Many authors stressed the importance of this approach, considering the family an important support for the sick child, during the internation and after discharge. To improve techniques according to this philosophy of treatment, it was demonstrated that the knowledge of emotional reactions of sick children and of their parents, and the interaction with the multidisciplinary staff are necessary. To give emotional support to children, the authors preconized techniques for information supply, explanations about pain and procedures, the possibility to utilize toys in a therapeutic and recreative way and the permission to frequent visits including the brothers. In regard to helping the parents, many authors have applied questionnaires to evaluate stress. Also, the parents\' groups have been utilized with good results. They suggest the performance of a careful anamnesis, in search of psychological resources of the family and ways of coping with previous critical situations. It has been advised to reinforce the positive resources of the family to cope with the situation in a satisfactory way. Many authors suggested activities to increase the parents\' participation in the care of their children, reinforcing that they are necessary and important for the sick child. The importance to give realistic information to the patient and his parents and the possibility to participate in medical decisions are stressed. To give information without support can be harmful. Sometimes, referring to specialists like psychiatrists, social workers and priests may be necessary. The authors stressed that all the techniques and resources for emotional support to critically ill children and their parents require the awareness os its importance and time and preparation of the multidisciplinary staff involved.