Feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness of weighted blankets during paediatric dental care.

Abstract

Background: Weighted blankets are one method to provide deep pressure touch sensations, which are associated with a calming effect on the nervous system. Weighted blankets have been reported to elicit a calming effect during stressful dental encounters and routine prophylactic visits in older adolescents and adults. Preliminary research suggests that weighted blankets are safe and feasible for children in both hospital and home settings; this, however, has not yet been examined in a paediatric dental environment.

Aim: To examine the feasibility, acceptability, and perceived effectiveness of a weighted blanket during paediatric dental care.

Design: This cross-sectional study examined child, caregiver, and dentist-reported responses to survey questions asking about their experience with the weighted blanket during care (n = 20 each per child and caregiver group, n = 9 dentists).

Results: The use of a weighted blanket is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate as reported by caregivers and dentists (means ≥ 4.70 on the Feasibility of Intervention, Acceptability of Intervention, and Intervention Appropriateness Measures). Few problems were described, and all groups overwhelmingly responded with enthusiasm, noted the blanket's potential for future use, and perceived that a weighted blanket improved care (means ≥ 4.10).

Conclusions: Study findings support the feasibility and acceptability of using a weighted blanket during a routine, noninvasive paediatric dental care.