The three buttons for procedural comfort
Research shows that stress during medical procedures is primarily caused by three factors: anxiety, pain, and focus on the procedure itself. To reduce stress, it is important to address all three of these factors simultaneously. This combined approach is also known as procedural comfort care.
It is a care concept that not only brings calm at the bedside but also yields significant benefits behind the scenes. It helps prevent escalation and coercion, strengthens the patient’s trust, and noticeably improves collaboration within the care team.
We were introduced to this concept by Linda Schuiten (a nurse specialist in procedural comfort in pediatrics and an employee at the PROSA Knowledge Center). It confirmed what we had already been observing in daily practice for years. Since then, the principles of procedural comfort care have formed the foundation of all our resources.
Source: Baxter L. Common office procedures and analgesia considerations. Pediatr Clin North Am. Oct. 2013
The three buttons for procedural comfort
Research shows that stress during medical procedures is primarily caused by three factors: anxiety, pain, and focus on the procedure itself. To reduce stress, it is important to address all three of these factors simultaneously. This combined approach is also known as procedural comfort care.
It is a care concept that not only brings calm at the bedside but also yields significant benefits behind the scenes. It helps prevent escalation and coercion, strengthens the patient’s trust, and noticeably improves collaboration within the care team.
We were introduced to this concept by Linda Schuiten (a nurse specialist in procedural comfort in pediatrics and an employee at the PROSA Knowledge Center). It confirmed what we had already been observing in daily practice for years. Since then, the principles of procedural comfort care have formed the foundation of all our resources.
Source: Baxter L. Common office procedures and analgesia considerations. Pediatr Clin North Am. Oct. 2013
Our role: shifting the focus
Qwiek’s tools are specifically designed for that last button: focus. We actively divert attention away from the procedure or the stressful moment in care. Because the human brain works in a fairly straightforward way: when focus shifts to something calming, the brain simply has less capacity left to register fear or pain.
Shifts the focus with targeted audiovisual distractions. Impressive visual and audio projections on the ceiling or wall immediately capture attention, allowing examinations and procedures to proceed more calmly and smoothly.
Shifts your focus with three subtle, soothing stimuli: soft sounds that invite relaxation, rhythmic vibrations that create a sense of closeness, and weighted pressure that provides a feeling of stability and security.
Shift your focus with soothing sounds in bed: ambient noises fade into the background, your mind relaxes, and you’ll fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.
Our role: shifting the focus
Qwiek’s tools are specifically designed for that last button: focus. We actively divert attention away from the procedure or the stressful moment of care. Because the human brain works in a fairly straightforward way: when focus shifts to something calming, the brain simply has less capacity left to register fear or pain.
Shifts the focus with targeted audiovisual distractions. Impressive visual and audio projections on the ceiling or wall immediately capture attention, allowing examinations and procedures to proceed more calmly and smoothly.
Shifts your focus with three subtle, soothing stimuli: soft sounds that invite relaxation, rhythmic vibrations that create a sense of closeness, and weighted pressure that provides a feeling of stability and security.
Shift your focus with soothing sounds in bed: ambient noises fade into the background, your mind relaxes, and you’ll fall asleep more easily and sleep more soundly.
No preparation time required
The chaos of healthcare simply can’t be scheduled. In an acute situation—where a resident suddenly becomes agitated during activities of daily living (ADL) or a child freezes up the moment the needle comes into view—there’s simply no time for a detailed conversation (let alone for words to even come out). There’s panic right now; action must be taken right now, and as a healthcare provider, you have zero seconds to prepare. In such stressful moments, a tool must work instantly and flawlessly with the push of a button.
"When your reptilian brain kicks in, it doesn't matter anymore what someone says. When your reptilian brain kicks in, it's panic. Stop, calm down, trust, and relax. And only when you've done that can you do business with someone again."
Linda Schuiten Nurse Practitioner, Procedural Comfort in Pediatrics, OLVG
No preparation time required
The chaos of healthcare simply can’t be scheduled. In an acute situation—where a resident suddenly becomes agitated during activities of daily living (ADL) or a child freezes up the moment the needle comes into view—there’s simply no time for a detailed conversation (let alone for words to even come out). There’s panic right now; action must be taken right now, and as a healthcare provider, you have zero seconds to prepare. In such stressful moments, a tool must work instantly and flawlessly with the push of a button.
"When your reptilian brain kicks in, you no longer care what someone says. A reptilian brain in overdrive means panic. Stop, regulate, trust, calm down. And only once that’s in place can you do business with someone again."
Linda Schuiten, Nurse Specialistin
and Procedural Comfort in Pediatrics at OLVG
Our tools are never developed in our office. They always start with the professionals at the bedside: the nurses, doctors, and caregivers who are on the front lines every day. To ensure that quality, we follow a strict and meticulous process:
This is how we ensure quality on the front lines:
Identifying acute problems and escalating anxiety in the workplace.
Intensive brainstorming sessions and prototype development in collaboration with healthcare organizations.
Extensive testing phases and real-world pilots that take months or even years to complete.
The final launch of the tool will take place only after its effectiveness inreducingagitation has been proven.
From challenge to result: our design process
Our tools are never developed in our office. They always start with the professionals at the bedside: the nurses, doctors, and caregivers who are on the front lines every day. To ensure that quality, we follow a strict and meticulous process:
This is how we ensure quality on the front lines:
Identifying acute problems and escalating anxiety in the workplace.
Intensive brainstorming sessions and prototype development in collaboration with healthcare organizations.
Extensive testing phases and real-world pilots that take months or even years to complete.
The final launch of the tool will take place only after its effectiveness inreducingagitation has been proven.