Non-pharmacological techniques to improve emotional state while using the Ponseti method in pediatric patients with congenital talipes equinovarus in Bogotá, Colombia

Abstract

Introduction: Children may show discomfort, muscle tension or body movements while using the Ponseti method (PM), making the procedure an unpleasant and stressful experience for patients, family members, and health care personnel.

Objectives: To describe the outcomes achieved following the use of non-pharmacological techniques (NPT) for emotional support when providing standard care to patients with congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) treated with the PM, as well as the level of patient and family satisfaction with the care received and the quality of health care, and to evaluate the possible factors associated with the success of the use of NPT.

Methodology: Descriptive observational study conducted in a cohort of 21 children treated in a Ponseti clinic in Bogotá (Colombia) between February and November 2021. NPT were implemented in two schemes differentiated by the senses stimulated. Data are described using measures of central tendency and dispersion (Shapiro-Wilk test), and the exploratory association between having success with the NPT schemes and the variables was determined using the chi-square test (p≥0.05).

Results: The median age was 4.5 months, and the first NPT scheme was successful in 66.67% of patients (97 consultations). The level of caregiver satisfaction was high (86.07%). The healthcare team reported that the procedure was “extremely easy” or “very easy” (86.07%-88.52%). Possible factors exploratorily associated with the success of the first NPT scheme were identified as gender, history of treatment with the PM, and level of caregiver satisfaction with the care received.

Conclusion: NPT improve the psychoemotional state of the child, facilitating PM implementation, and increasing caregiver and healthcare team satisfaction with the treatment sessions.