A randomized controlled trial of storytelling as a communication tool.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Stories may be an effective tool to communicate with patients because of their ability to engage the reader. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of story booklets compared to standard information sheets for parents of children attending the emergency department (ED) with a child with croup.

Methods

Parents were randomized to receive story booklets (n=208) or standard information sheets (n=205) during their ED visit. The primary outcome was change in anxiety between triage to ED discharge as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Follow-up telephone interviews were conducted at 1 and 3 days after discharge, then every other day until 9 days (or until resolution of symptoms), and at 1 year. Secondary outcomes included: expected future anxiety,

SUBMITTER: Hartling L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3808406 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature