Patient's room vs. procedure/treatment room for procedures?

[oregonRN2b]

Hi there,

I am wondering if anyone knows about any evidence-based research that has been done about performing painful and/or stressful procedures in the patient's hospital room vs. performing them in a separate treatment room?

I have talked to different nurses about this and have gotten two takes:

1. the trigger for fear/stress is the actual person with the equipment, not the environment at all.

2. the trigger is the environment, and if the child thinks anyone entering the room has POTENTIAL to harm them, that is an unnecessary added stress during their stay.

I found one research study from 2000 in the Children's Health Care journal, but am having trouble finding any more recent studies.

Anyone know of any other sources of evidence about this (or want to add their opinions on this topic)?

Thanks so much!

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

I worked for a major childrens hospital for awhile. We never did any painful procedure at the bedside. This assured that the child would have at least one place that was considered "safe" and pain-free for them. This gave the children more of a sense of security.

[Tumshie]

I worked for a major childrens hospital for awhile. We never did any painful procedure at the bedside. This assured that the child would have at least one place that was considered "safe" and pain-free for them. This gave the children more of a sense of security.

I agree this is my experience in the UK too.