The aim of this study was to investigate clown doctor?s intervention at both pediatric preoperative holding and recovery areas on parental anxiety (before surgery) and on behavioral and affective responses of children (before and after surgery). The sample was composed of 91 children (aged 4-12 years, M=7.3 ±2.4; 67% were boys) who underwent surgery. In a quasi-experimental design, the children were assigned to one of the following two groups: clown doctor?s intervention (n=45) or comparison group (n=46). Clown?s intervention and activities were adjusted to reduce the arousal states and potential distress of the child. Children in the control group received standard care. Children?s affective and behavioral responses were reported by parents, nurses and a psychologist, using the Self-Assessment Mannequin and a modified version of the Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (m-YPAS). Parental anxiety was measured by using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAY-Y). To control for the child?s global functioning (two days before surgery) a modified version of the Functional Status Questionnaire was also used. Results showed that clown doctor?s intervention was associated with lower parental anxiety regardless of the children?s functional status before surgery. No effects of clown intervention were found regarding children?s affective and behavioral responses, an expected result given that all children were sedated with anesthesia before and after surgery. In addition, parents in the clown?s intervention group reported being very satisfied with their presence and intervention, suggesting the positive affective role that clown doctors can play at a Pediatric Surgery Unit.

--

Health Care,Children,Clown Doctors,Surgery