Positive distraction for children during burn wound care in Australia - An evaluation of the 'Captains on Call' pilot

Introduction: Burn wound care procedures can cause severe pain to the child, and distress for both the child and caregivers. We evaluated a new Starlight Children's Foundation program, 'Captains on Call', which aims to provide positive distraction during burn wound care procedures to reduce the child's anxiety and pain. This paper presents a preliminary evaluation, using a qualitative design, of Captains on Call at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Australia.

Methods: We conducted interviews with caregivers (n = 18), patients (n = 6), nurses (n = 5) and Captain Starlights (n = 3). Interviews focused on program impact and recommendations for how to improve the program.

Results: We identified seven themes: (1) positive distraction from pain and boredom, (2) benefit of additional support, (3) creating positive memories of the hospital, (4) catering for unique needs of each patient and family, (5) general appreciation, (6) importance of regular visits, and (7) a desire to expand the program. All caregivers, nurses and patients reported that they were likely to recommend the program to others.

Conclusion: This study provides early evidence to support the benefit of the Captains on Call program to families and health professionals, as well as the feasibility in providing this integrated care.