Parent Participation During Painful Wound Care Procedures

The role of the parent during painful wound care is an area of controversy among burn care professionals. Children younger than the age of 3 years may be particularly distressed by separation from the primary caretaker, thus increasing anxiety levels and reducing the capacity to cope with wound care procedures. Burn center staff at this facility were in strong disagreement regarding a change in policy that barred parent participation during hydrotherapy and dressing change. This study was conducted to assess young children's behavioral responses to painful burn care procedures with and without a parent present to determine whether parent support enhanced the child's ability to cope by reducing observable pain responses and expression of anxiety. It was anticipated that results of the study would assist staff in reaching an objective, rational decision regarding changes in policy and procedures. Results of the study failed to show a statistically significant difference between the two comparison groups. However, the strength of clinical observations facilitated a unanimous decision to establish parent participation as a patient care option.