PROBLEM: Distraction is a useful intervention for children having painful medical procedures. While parents can be trained as distraction coaches, the frequency and quality of distraction coaching varies. A measure of the intensity of distraction coaching is needed to evaluate the integrity of training parents and effectiveness of the intervention. The purpose of this poster is to determine if the Distraction Coaching Intensity (DCI) scale can differentiate novice and expert distraction coaches, which will provide evidence of the instruments construct validity.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK: The DCI scale is a product of the frequency (f) and the quality (q) of distraction coaching. Frequency of distraction coaching is any verbalization or action directed toward the child that is meant to focus the child’s attention away from the medical procedure. Five quality indicators on a four-point scale define quality of distraction coaching. Frequency and quality of distraction coaching varies between trained professionals and untrained parents.
METHODOLOGY: Design: Two-group comparison design Subjects: Expert distraction coaches (Child Life Specialists) and novice distraction coaches (untrained parents) providing distraction during IV insertion in children 4-10 years of age. Instrument: DCI scale, a behavior observation instrument, measures frequency, quality and intensity (f x q) of distraction. Procedures: Two coders, blinded to the groups, will score 40 (20 per group) videotapes of distraction coaching using the DCI scale.
RESULTS: Scores on frequency, quality, and intensity of distraction will be calculated for each tape. The mean scores in each area (frequency, quality, intensity) for both groups (expert and novice) will be calculated, and the two groups compared using a t test. This analysis will allow us to see if the DCI is able to discriminate between novice and expert distraction coaching
IMPLICATIONS: Validation of the DCI scale allows researchers and educators to evaluate the frequency, quality and intensity of distraction coaching
Session #1222 - Undergraduate Submissions
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)