Effectiveness of Effleurage Back Rubs on Physiological Measures Among Children Admitted to Selected Post-Operative Wards at Institute of Child Health and Hospital, Egmore, Chennai

Abstract

Background: Postoperative pain is one of the most common therapeutic problems in hospitals. This can increase morbidity, leading to reduced breathing and cough suppression, facilitating retained pulmonary secretions and pneumonia, and delaying normal gastric and bowel function, thus contributing to a longer recovery period. The purpose of the study was to assess the "Effectiveness of Effleurage back rub on physiologic measures among children aged 8-12 years admitted in selected post-operative wards". Methodology: A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test post-test design was used to assess the effect of physiologic measures among post-operative children (N=50) selected at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital, Egmore, Chennai" using convenient sampling methods. The content of the tool was validated by experts in the field of Medicine and Nursing. The suggestions of the experts were incorporated into the study. Minimal modifications were made to the tool and the tool was finalized. The refined tool was used for data collection and content validity was obtained. After the pilot study, the reliability of the tool was assessed by using an inter-rater reliability correlation coefficient value is 0.80. This correlation coefficient is very high and is a good tool for assessing the effectiveness of Effleurage back rub on Physiological measures among children admitted in Selected Post-operative wards. Obtained consent from the study participants' parents explaining the benefits and risks involved. Pre-assessment of physiologic measures followed by effleurage back rub using talcum powder given for 10 minutes. Post-assessment of Physiologic measures ten minutes after Effleurage back rub was observed. Results: The mean pain score on the first day before the massage was 7 and the same was reduced after the massage on the second day to 2. The mean Heart rate before effleurage back rub was 119.56 beats/min and the same was reduced to 100.92 beats/min after massage. The mean Respiratory rate before the massage was 30.12 breaths/min and the same was reduced to 21.02 breaths/min after the massage. The mean Systolic blood pressure before Effleurage back rub was 126.34mm Hg and the same was reduced to 102.04 mm Hg. The mean Diastolic blood pressure before Effleurage back rub was 81.72 mm Hg and the same was reduced to 63.12 mm Hg. Conclusion: The reduction of Heart rate from baseline is 15.59%, Respiratory Rate is 29.61%, Systolic blood pressure < is 19.2%, Diastolic blood pressure is 18.6% and pain score is 73.40 %. A significant reduction in physiologic measures was noted after effleurage back rub (p < 0.001). Thus, effleurage back rub is a useful pain relief measure.