The effect of using a kaleidoscope during central venous catheter dressing changes on pain and anxiety in children with cancer: A randomised controlled trial

Purpose: Many medical interventions, including the dressing changes of central venous catheters, a common procedure used for children with cancer, cause pain and anxiety in children. This can adversely affect their care and recovery. This study aims to evaluate the effect of using a kaleidoscope on reducing pain and anxiety in children with cancer during central venous catheter dressing changes.& nbsp;Methods: This was a parallel randomised controlled trial with 60 children aged 6-12 diagnosed with cancer who were placed either in a kaleidoscope group (n = 30) or a control group (n = 30). Each child's anxiety was evaluated by the child using the Children's Fear Scale before, during, and after a central venous catheter dressing change, and each child's pain during and after the procedure was evaluated by the child using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WB-FACES). Each child's heart rate and oxygen saturation were measured with a pulse oximeter device before, during, and after central venous catheter dressing changes.& nbsp;Results: Pain and anxiety scores were significantly lower in the kaleidoscope group than in the control group during and after central venous catheter dressing changes (both p < 0.001). During the procedure, the oxygen saturation values were higher (p < 0 .05), and the heart rate was lower (p < 0.001) in the kaleidoscope group compared to the control group.& nbsp;Conclusion: Distraction with a kaleidoscope was an effective method for pain and anxiety relief during central venous catheter dressing changes in children.& nbsp;