The effect of children oriented web-based education and therapeutic game method on preoperative anxiety and fear postoperative pain and sleep in planned surgeries

Purpose: The study was conducted to determine the impact of home-based web training for children aged 7-12 undergoing planned surgeries and therapeutic play methods applied in hospitals on preoperative anxiety and fear, as well as postoperative pain and sleep. Materials and Methods: This study is a randomized controlled experimental study. The study was conducted with children aged 7-12 years who underwent planned surgery in the pediatric surgery clinic of Mugla Training and Research Hospital between 15 May 2021 and 20 July 2023. The sample consisted of n=78 children, n=37 in the study group and n=41 in the control group. Children in the study group were given web-based education about the operation process at home and therapeutic play method in the hospital. Children in the control group received routine care and information about preoperative preparation in the ward. Data were collected using the Child and Family Descriptive Data Form, Yale Modified Preoperative Anxiety Scale Child Form (YMPAÖÇF), Children's Fear Scale (CFS), Children's Emotional Expression Assessment Scale (CEEAS), Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale (WBFPS), and Children's Sleep Disturbance Scale (CSDS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Friedman test. Results: Anxiety scores of children in the study group 30 minutes before surgery and when the anaesthetic mask was shown were lower than those in the control group (p<0.001). The fear scores of the study group one hour before the operation and 30 minutes before the operation were lower than those of the control group (p<0.001). The emotional expression scores of the children in the study group one hour before surgery, in the operating theatre and two hours after surgery were lower than those of the children in the control group (p<0.001). The pain scores of the children in the study group two hours after surgery and before discharge were lower than those in the control group (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in total sleep disturbance scores 10 days after discharge between the study and control groups (p>0.05). The total scores of sleep disturbances evaluated 10 days after discharge in both groups were higher compared to before the training (p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of web-based education and therapeutic play method in the preparation of children aged 7-12 years undergoing planned surgery in the paediatric surgery service had a positive effect on the reduction of preoperative anxiety, fear and postoperative pain, but had no effect on the reduction of sleep disturbance. It may be recommended to use web-based education and therapeutic play methods to reduce preoperative anxiety and fear, as well as postoperative pain, in children who will undergo planned surgery. Keywords: Anxiety, Pain, Play therapy, Sleep, Web-based education.