Abstract
Purpose: Bringing a sick child to the emergency department (ED) is inherently stressful. This stress is compounded by the ED waiting area environment, which can be loud and chaotic. The aim of this study was to determine the general stress level of adults accompanying children to a pediatric emergency department (ED). A secondary aim was to determine what factors are associated with these stress levels, with a focus on waiting area factors.
Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with a convenience sample of adults accompanying children to the ED over 7 consecutive days, with study blocks in the daytime and nighttime. Stress levels were measured using the Spielberger state anxiety inventory (STAI). The test is scored from 20 to 80 and has a published mean of 36 in working adults under normal conditions. College students in an experimental exam situation scored a mean of 43. Additional questions eliciting the influence of other, especially environmental factors were asked. Demographic data as well as the perceived length of time in the waiting area were solicited. All responses were measured on a four point Likert scale. Minors, adults who did not read or speak English, and caretakers accompanying children arriving in the department outside the usual triage process were excluded.
Results: A study group totaled of 295 participants with an average age of 32 years, 61% female. Two-thirds identified themselves as a parent of a patient. The mean anxiety level was 41. There was no difference in mean anxiety levels according to gender, age, or relationship to the patient. The mean anxiety level for those with perceived wait times over one hour was significantly higher than those with wait times less than one hour. (49.9. vs 38.9, p .006). Factors which may contribute to stress were elicited using a 4 point Likert scale. Worry over the child's illness (mean 2.76) and perceived long wait times (mean 2.56) were the most highly ranked causes of stress in the ED, as compared to environmental factors, which ranged from 1.32–2.00.
Conclusion: Long wait times are associated with significantly increased anxiety among adults accompanying children to the ED. Worry over the child's illness and perceived long wait times were the most influential factors related to causes of stress in the ED, while environmental factors were considered less important. Interventions to minimize perceived wait times and worry over the child's illness may result in diminished anxiety for adults waiting with their child in an ED.
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Holm, L., Fitzmaurice, L. Factors Influencing Parent Anxiety Levels in a Pediatric Emergency Department Waiting Area.. Pediatr Res 56, 672 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200410000-00057
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-200410000-00057
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