AMENIZING FEAR: INTERVENTION PROPOSAL FOR PRE-SURGICAL PREPARATION IN CHILDREN THROUGH SKINNER’S MODELING

Introduction: The child’s hospitalization can be perceived as a threatening experience, favoring the emergence of a situation of suffering during hospitalization, as well as the moment before a surgical procedure that often involves a state of fear. Objective: To propose psychological intervention for pre-surgical children of a hospital of high complexity in the city of Recife-PE. Methodology: Use of modeling as a form of pre-surgical preparation of children, aged between 6 and 12 years, based on the theoretical basis of Behavioral Approach Theory. The intervention will happen by modifying the behavior by means of successive approximations, similar responses with the target response, divided into five stages. Play materials will be used, such as patient doll, kit dodoi, surgical instruments, infirmary kit, surgical room design, among others. Results: It is known that there is usually a deficiency related to the qualification of the health team regarding the emotional assistance of the preoperative patient, which can lead to doubts, fears, anxiety and fantasies about the surgical procedure. Therefore, pre-surgical preparation is a tool that can be used in pediatric wards because it is understood that it is necessary to provide the child with resources that facilitate his perception of the reality of the surgery and its purpose. Conclusion: To mitigate the fear of the child in a pre-surgical preparation is necessary and is possible through several expressive resources, besides the modeling. It is suggested that this care in pre-surgical preparation be routine in the hospital, strengthening and contributing to improve the discomforts of pediatric patients.