Effect of a care programme based on the comfort theory on physiological indicators in paediatric candidates for endoscopy: a randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Endoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used in paediatrics. This invasive procedure is anxiety-inducing, a natural response that can affect physiological indicators. Today, the use of nursing theories in the form of a comprehensive nursing care model plays a significant role in improving patient health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the comfort-based care model on the physiological indicators of children undergoing endoscopy. This clinical trial study was conducted on 56 paediatric patients referred to the endoscopy unit of Hajar Hospital (affiliated with the Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran). Children were enrolled by convenience sampling and randomly assigned to either the intervention (28 participants) or control group (28 participants). The intervention, which was based on comfort theory, was carried out 2 hours before endoscopy, encompassing four dimensions: physical, psycho-spiritual, socio-cultural and environmental. The control group received routine care. Physiological indicators were recorded in both groups before and immediately after endoscopy. Data were analysed with the Chi-square, independent t-test and paired t-test. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups in terms of their mean pulse or systolic and diastolic blood pressures. After the intervention, the mean pulse and systolic blood pressure in the intervention group was significantly decreased compared to the control group (P<0.05). The mean diastolic blood pressure after the intervention was 73.39±8.17 in the intervention group and 73.35±9.09 in the control group, and the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.801). The research findings show that the comfort-based care model had a significant effect on reducing pulse and systolic blood pressure.