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Management of Procedure-Induced Anxiety in Children
Management of Procedure-Induced Anxiety in Children is a core competency elearning programme available on the NHS Learning Hub. It comprises 11 elearning sessions, each exploring distinct aspects of understanding and managing anxiety experienced by children undergoing healthcare procedures.
The programme is designed for anyone who works with or cares for children in healthcare settings, particularly those supporting children who require medical interventions of any type or complexity.
Key areas covered include:
- Understanding anxiety and its impact
- Non-verbal, vocal and verbal communication
- Enhanced communication strategies
- Supporting neurodivergent children
- Managing parental anxiety
- Use of premedication
- Equipment and environmental factors that increase anxiety
- Elective preparation and management
- Psychology-based approaches
- The role of play
- Technology to support anxiety reduction
Across the programme, learners will gain an in-depth understanding of the prevalence and consequences of procedure-induced anxiety, alongside practical, evidence-based approaches to reduce distress and psychological morbidity.
Learning objectives
- Recognising sources and presentations of procedure-induced anxiety
- Applying communication techniques that support reassurance and trust
- Adapting approaches for neurodivergent children and families with heightened anxiety
- Identifying environmental and equipment-related triggers and mitigating their impact
- Understanding evidence-based psychological and play-based strategies
- Integrating anxiety-management principles into everyday clinical practice
- Enhancing the overall care experience for children undergoing medical procedures
The programme provides a comprehensive foundation in anxiety management and is intended as a minimum core competency for all professionals involved in paediatric healthcare.