Improving the Children's Intravenous Therapy Experience

Abstract:Chronic illnesses significantly impact children, necessitating frequent intravenous (IV) therapy interventions. This study explores the extensive implications for children aged ۴ to ۱۰, investigating their vulnerability to pain and negative emotions. These challenges extend beyond pediatric patients to healthcare professionals and parents. The primary objective is to thoroughly examine and propose effective solutions, employing a user-centered design approach and utilizing comprehensive methods such as secondary research, best practice analysis, interviews, questionnaires, and observation. Conducted across three hospitals, the investigation explores the requirements for improving children’s intravenous therapy experience by interviewing and questionnaires with parents and nurses. Results show a ۶۰/۴۰ gender split (girls/boys), with ۶۰% facing recurrent injections. Findings emphasize parents' prioritization of children's physical and psychological safety, while nurses highlight the importance of child-friendly medical devices for distracting children from IV therapy discomfort. Observations consistently reveal children's preference for colorful and interactive medical devices as effective tools for alleviating discomfort. The research recommends designing pediatric IV therapy devices with vibrant colors, interactive sounds, games, and the possibility of walking during the procedure to engage and entertain children, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions grounded in children's preferences. This approach targets unaddressed pain consequences during interventions, aiming to advance the overall well-being of this vulnerable demographic.

Keywords:

Keywords: Children intravenous therapy , User-Centered Design , Pain management , Healthcare innovation