[Procedural comfort care in pediatric healthcare: bringing children from fear to trust].

Abstract

Approximately two-thirds of children naturally fear medical procedures, with their subjective experience being more influential than the actual severity of the intervention. Procedural stress can lead to anticipatory anxiety, distrust, and post-traumatic stress symptoms, making effective management crucial. This article presents a comprehensive approach to pediatric procedural comfort care through the 7P model for trauma-free care. Key strategies include building trust through age-appropriate communication, using "helpful language" that redirects attention away from pain and anxiety, implementing distraction techniques, and ensuring adequate pain management through topical anesthetics and local anesthesia. Parents play a vital role as active partners in care. The 3R model (Regulate, Relate, Reason) provides a structured approach for managing highly anxious children. Implementing procedural comfort care requires specific competencies including child-centered communication and emotion regulation skills. Investment in team training and educational programs is essential for widespread implementation and preventing long-term medical trauma in pediatric patients.