Effectiveness of Comfort Theory Model Based on Holistic Care for Hospitalized Children with Sickle Cell Disease Crises

Abstract

Background: Children’s experience of hospital when suffering acute sickle cell crises can be improved by a comfort approach to nursing care. Aim and Design: The true experimental design approach was used to investigate the efficiency of comfort theory in improving the comfort level model for children with SCD crises. Sample and setting: A convenience sample was taken from children admitted at pediatric inpatient department of Benha University Hospital and Specialized Children Hospital, Benha city, Egypt during sickle cell crises. Data collection tool: Data collection was undertaken in a number of ways, including a demographic information form, patient Comfort Behaviors Checklist, Comfort Daisies Scale, and General Comfort Questionnaire, both pre- and post-theory intervention, based on the nursing process. Results: When compared to a control group, significant differences were observed in children with SCD crises post-comfort theory application. There was also a positive correlation between the children’s state of comfort and post-comfort theory intervention. An association was also noted between children in secondary education and at a higher economic level in comfort state at second observation, which was deemed to be the best comfort achievement. Conclusion and recommendations: Nursing care modelled on comfort theory can significantly improve children’s experience of hospitalization during sickle cell crises. The nursing of children should be holistic, and evaluate their physical, emotional, and psychological needs when addressing their level of comfort.