Article

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of waiting room media for reducing anxiety and
increasing satisfaction at a paediatric rehabilitation hospital. METHOD: In this
clustered, parallel, randomized controlled trial, 310 young people with
disabilities (age range 5-19y) and their parents attending outpatient clinics
were assigned to interactive media (n=113), a silent nature video (n=97), or
media-free comparison (n=100) groups. Young person and parent anxiety was
reported using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) on arrival and after 10
minutes in the waiting space. Questionnaires measured young person, parent, and
staff satisfaction. RESULTS: Young people exposed to interactive media reported a
postexposure state anxiety that was 1.1 raw points (2.7 standardized points)
lower on the STAI than the comparison group (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.9 to
-0.22). There was no difference in postexposure state anxiety between the passive
media and comparison groups (95% CI -0.64 to 1.1). Parents' state anxiety did not
differ between conditions, but interactive media were associated with greater
satisfaction (p=0.009). Of 120 staff, 119 reported that interactive media
improved the clinic experience for families. INTERPRETATION: Interactive media
designed for accessible, hands-free play mitigate waiting anxiety and increases
satisfaction. This paper provides evidence to guide design and decision-making
around the use of interactive media in health care spaces. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS:
Interactive media reduced preclinic waiting anxiety for young people with
disabilities. Interactive media were accessible to young people with a range of
mobility. Interactive media increased parental and staff satisfaction in the
clinic. Guidelines for the design of hands-free, inclusive interactive media for
health care facilities are presented.
CI - (c) 2017 Mac Keith Press.

Langue : ANGLAIS