The effect of tens on pain and fear in children with abdominal surgery: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Abstract

This study is the protocol of a randomized controlled trial. The protocol is designed according to the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials (SPIRIT). The sample consisted of 44 children (aged 7-12) who had abdominal surgery. Children were randomized into experimental and control groups. The intervention group received a 40-minutes session of TENS before mobilization, while the control group received no intervention. The study was planned to be implemented between July 2021 and November 2022. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WB-FACES), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Children’s Fear Scale (CFS). It is important to manage pain in pediatric patients in the postoperative period. However, there is little evidence suggesting the effectiveness of nonpharmacologic methods. Moreover, there is limited research investigating the effect of TENS on pain during mobilization. Some patients experience delayed mobilization because they cannot manage pain in the postoperative period. Delayed mobilization causes complications. Therefore, it is important to manage pain effectively. Our results indicate that TENS helps children with abdominal surgery mobilize earlier in the postoperative period.  Children and parents participating in the study assisted and contributed to the researchers in the data collection process.