Paper
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
This presentation is part of : Special Session: Improving the Psychosocial Care and Mental Health/Coping Outcomes of Critically Ill Children and Parents: Evidence to Guide Practice
An Evidence-Based Theoretical Model to Explain the Impact of the COPE Program on Young Hospitalized/Critically Ill Children and Their Parents
Nancy Fischbeck Feinstein, RNC, PhD, School of Nursing, Center for Research and Evidence-Based Practice, School of Nursing, Center for Research and Evidence-Based Practice, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
There is a paucity of empirical evidence to support the mechanisms through which interventions work to improve outcomes in hospitalized/critically ill children and their parents. These explanations are crucial for healthcare providers to translate research findings into clinical practice. Therefore, the purpose of this presentation is describe an evidence-based theory, comprised of self-regulation theory, control theory, and the emotional contagion hypothesis, to explain the processes through which the COPE intervention program exerts its effects on the mental health/coping outcomes of hospitalized and critically ill young children and their mothers.

Analysis of proposed mediating variables from two randomized controlled trials that tested the effects of the COPE program on the mental health/coping outcomes of hospitalized and critically ill children and their mothers will be presented. Findings indicate that maternal beliefs are especially potent in mediating the effects of the COPE program on maternal coping outcomes. In addition, evidence supports that maternal coping outcomes (i.e., maternal anxiety and participation in their children’s care) directly influence the coping outcomes of young hospitalized and critically ill children.

Empirical evidence was generated to support the proposed theoretical model and explain the processes through which the COPE intervention produces positive outcomes for mothers and children. Explaining the effects of how interventions work to improve outcomes in hospitalized/ critically ill children and parents will facilitate the translation of intervention programs into clinical practice.

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Sigma Theta Tau International
July 21, 2004