Effect of using a kaleidoscope projector and matching cards on fear and vital signs in children aged 3–6 years receiving inhaled medication.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of projector kaleidoscope and matching card on children's fear and physiological parameters in children aged 3–6 years receiving inhaled medication. Methods: This randomised controlled study was conducted with the guidelines of Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT). The sample of children was allocated to the projector kaleidoscope group (n = 38), matching card group (n = 38) and control group (n = 38). Fear and vital signs were measured. Results: In the study, the mean age of the children in the projector kaleidoscope group was 4.39 ± 1.10, the mean age of the children in the matching card group was 4.34 ± 0.96 and the mean age of the children in the control group was 4.28 ± 1.18. There was a statistically significant difference between the post‐test scores of the Children's Fear Scale in the evaluation of parents and nurses according to the groups of children. There was a statistically significant difference between the respiratory post‐test scores according to the groups of children. It was observed that the mean heart rate of the control group participants was higher than that of the children in the matching card group. There were no statistically significant differences in the post‐test saturation values among the groups of children. Conclusion: It was observed that the projector kaleidoscope and matching card reduced fear and prevented increased respiratory rate in children receiving inhaler medication. In addition, it was determined that matching card had more effect on heart and respiratory rate than projector kaleidoscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]