Teaching parents how to comfort their children during common medical procedures.

Parents who bring their children to emergency departments often find that the visit is a stress- ful experience.' Not only are parents anxious because their children are ill, but most are also aware that their children may undergo painful medical procedures.' In a study of 223 children and adolescents, Humphrey et al reported that venepuncture performed on an inpatient service produced high levels of distress among parents and their children.2