ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: In recent years there have been rapid advances in modern communication technologies that have reached almost every child in the western world. The ways children interact and consume new information have changed in the digital age. Yet, most of the GH patients’ training is based on a face to face interaction using written materials.

Aims: To increase patients’ knowledge, enhance positive feelings and decrease significantly fears of the unknown as well as shorten the time devoted by the nurses for GH therapy (GHT) GHT education.

Methods: We have developed an application for training, which is children-friendly, using known technologies such as touch screen tablets and interactive apps, which are usually associated with children’s enjoyment and excitement when playing games and communicating one another. We are conducting a pilot prospective study, evaluating and comparing the ‘conventional’ and ‘interactive’ GHT patient training, by asking patients and their parents to fill questionnaires. Parameters that are being studied are: length of training, patients’ knowledge levels as well as parents’ and patients’ satisfaction.

Results: The results of the pilot study will be presented at the meeting.

Conclusions: New digital methods familiar to children of the current generation should be tested in GHT education to enhance efficiency and to improve patients’ satisfaction and their knowledge.