The effect of toy-figure nebulizer along with amigurumi-based therapeutic play, and auditory stimulus reduction during inhalation therapy in children: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Purpose

This study evaluated the effects of therapeutic play using an amigurumi toy and a toy-figure nebulizer, along with inhalation therapy involving reduced auditory stimuli, on fear levels, emotional responses, and physiological parameters in children undergoing treatment in a pediatric emergency department.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 90 children aged 3–6 years who received inhalation therapy at the Pediatric Emergency Department of a state hospital between June –December 2023. Data were collected using a Descriptive Information Form, the Children's Fear Scale (CFS), the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale (CEMS) and Physiological parameter monitoring form.

Results

Children in both the therapeutic play and reduced auditory stimulus groups demonstrated significantly lower mean scores on the CFS and CEMS, as well as lower respiratory rates during inhalation therapy, than their pre-intervention values and those of the control group (p = 0,012, p < 0.001, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Therapeutic play and auditory stimulus reduction during inhalation therapy in the pediatric emergency department were found to significantly reduce children's fear levels and negative emotional indicators. Additionally, children in the intervention groups exhibited lower respiratory rates than those receiving routine care.

Practice implications

Incorporating therapeutic play with an amigurumi toy and using a toy-figure nebulizer, with auditory stimulus reduction, represents a practical and effective approach to minimizing fear and negative emotional responses in children undergoing inhalation therapy in pediatric emergency settings.