Reducing distress in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization.

This project collected data on the use of auditory tapes to reduce acute distress in pediatric patients during cardiac catheterization. Observations by the medical staff as well as patients' subjective experience indicated that the tapes were a useful adjunct in helping young patients tolerate the distress of the medical procedure. Differences in benefits were noted depending on the age of the patients. The greatest benefits were seen in the less than 1-year-old and 7- to 12-year-old age groups.