The Impact and Influence of Hospital Clowns on Hospitalized Children Undergoing Painful Procedures: A Mixed Methods Study

• Published in: Global qualitative nursing research Vol. 10; p. 23333936231186599
• Main Authors: Kristensen, Helle Nygaard, Laugesen, Britt, Stinson, Jennifer, Haslund-Thomsen, Helle
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.01.2023; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Child psychology; Clowns; Hospitalization; Medical research; Mixed Method; Pain management; Qualitative research; mixed methods research; children; nursing research; Denmark; pain management; nursing; hospital clown
• ISSN: 2333-3936; 2333-3936
• DOI: 10.1177/23333936231186599

Hospital clowns are widely used in pediatric settings. However, the field of pain and pain experience in children is complex and multifaceted. Therefore, the aim of this study was to expand knowledge on the impact and influence of hospital clowns on 4 to 15-year-old children’s experiences of managing painful procedures and conditions. A convergent mixed method study was conducted integrating findings from three individual studies: a prospective non-blinded study and two focused ethnographic studies. The findings illuminated a child—clown interaction characterized by a close relationship evolving during a continuous, mutually focused attention, conceptualized as WE. This WE represent a responsive interaction between child and clown, which supported the child during the procedures, and generated three integrated findings: an age-differentiated approach; understanding the child’s condition; and previous experiences as a part of the child’s history. The WE approach strengthened the child’s competences and ability to manage during painful procedures.