NURSING CARE FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH HOSPITALIZATION ANXIETY THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF STORYTELLING IN THE ANGGREK ROOM OF THE ARIFIN ACHMAD REGIONAL GENERAL HOSPITAL IN RIAU PROVINCE

Abstrak

Anxiety is one of the most common psychological problems experienced by preschool-aged children during hospitalization. This condition occurs as children face an unfamiliar environment, undergo invasive medical procedures that may cause pain, and experience separation from their parents. Such circumstances often make children uncooperative, anxious, and fearful, which can hinder the healing process. Non-pharmacological interventions such as storytelling therapy are considered effective in reducing anxiety levels among hospitalized children. The purpose of this case study was to describe nursing care for a preschool child with hospitalization anxiety through the application of storytelling therapy in the Anggrek Room of Arifin Achmad Regional General Hospital, Riau Province. The study employed a case study design with an Evidence Based Practice (EBP) approach. Data were collected through observation and interviews using the Fasial Image Scale (FIS) instrument. The intervention was conducted over three consecutive days, with each session lasting 30 minutes. The results showed that before the intervention, the child’s anxiety level was in the moderate to severe category. After three days of storytelling sessions, the anxiety level decreased to mild and moderate. The child appeared calmer, more cooperative, and comfortable during nursing procedures. In conclusion, there was a noticeable reduction in anxiety levels before and after the storytelling intervention. Therefore, storytelling therapy is proven to be an effective non-pharmacological approach to reduce hospitalization anxiety in preschool-aged children