Session: Poster session C

Development of a Comic to address Fear and Anxiety Factors affecting Patients and their Families undergoing Strabismus Surgery

Introduction: 

The aim of this study was to develop a leaflet in comic form to address perioperative fear and anxiety factors affecting paediatric strabismus surgery patients. 

 

Methods: 

We reviewed relevant literature to determine precipitants of fears and anxieties experienced by paediatric patients. and used this to develop a two-part questionnaire for a cohort of paediatric patients undergoing strabismus surgery. We analysed their answers for content themes and reviewed pre-existing paediatric comics and similar materials. We used this information to develop a strabismus surgery leaflet in comic form for strabismus patients and assessed readability of our comic using the Baker Able Leaflet Design (BALD) assessment tool. 

 

Results: 

The two-part questionnaire identified positive and negative aspects of the patient journey, corroborated fears reported in the literature, and anxiety inducing factors specific to strabismus patients. Common anxiety factors for children during their patient journeys included engaging with medical professionals and use of medical equipment, as well as the inpatient and outpatient environments. We used this information to develop a paediatric comic for widespread use validating the readability and design with the BALD assessment tool. 

 

Conclusions:

There is a lack of evidence regarding fear and anxiety specific to paediatric strabismus surgeries. Strabismus surgery, especially in the paediatric age group carries unique fear inducing factors, therefore interventions which alleviate this would greatly benefit patient experience. Addressing anxiety inducing factors in paediatric strabismus surgery is needed to mitigate negative short- and long-term negative effects on patients and support patients peri-operatively. Comics are a reproducible and cost-effective means by which to educate patients and their families.