Retrospective analysis of the clinical value of targeted nursing using a game-based model in children undergoing auricular reconstruction for congenital microtia.

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the effects of targeted nursing centered on a game-based model on self-concept, anxiety, and quality of life in children undergoing auricular reconstruction for congenital microtia. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included medical records from children with congenital microtia who underwent auricular reconstruction between January 2022 and December 2025. Medical records were categorized into a control group and an intervention group according to the perioperative nursing model documented during hospitalization. The control group received routine nursing care, whereas the intervention group received routine nursing care combined with game-based nursing. Data from the Piers-Harris Children Self-Concept Scale (CSCS), Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) scores routinely recorded at admission and discharge during hospitalization were retrospectively extracted from the nursing records. RESULTS: A total of 70 children were included, with 35 in the routine nursing group and 35 in the game-based nursing group. At admission, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in CSCS, SCARED, or PedsQL 4.0 scores (p > 0.05). At discharge, the intervention group had higher CSCS scores (69.28 ± 6.75) than the control group (66.19 ± 4.07) (p = 0.007), lower SCARED scores (40.56 ± 2.32) than the control group (54.19 ± 2.12) (p < 0.001), and higher PedsQL 4.0 scores (70.28 ± 3.16) than the control group (67.19 ± 3.42) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This retrospective analysis suggests that targeted nursing using a game-based model may be associated with improved perioperative psychological outcomes, particularly reduced anxiety, in children undergoing auricular reconstruction for congenital microtia.