Brittani Breese

Abstract

In pediatric patients, does using distraction techniques during painful procedures result in lower
pain perception when compared to no intervention?

Background: The way one may perceive pain is on an individual basis but it is of no surprise that
pain is not yet well controlled in pediatric patients. Children may go through my painful
procedures throughout their childhood such as finger pokes, immunization, venipunctures etc.
These painful procedures can cause anxiety and distress especially if the child had any negative
experiences following these procedures. However, studies have shown that distraction is an
effective technique for pain management within children.

Methods: Data was collected using multitude of techniques such as passive and active
practices. Active technique requires the child’s cooperation and involvement such as
participating in conversations and/or making choices while passive can involve listening to
music, watching a video, or using distraction cards. While these are only some of the
techniques, they are certainly not the only ones used and some have been researched more
than others. Some data instruments that were used to assess the pain levels of children in some
studies were Wong-Baker FACES tool and Children Fear Scale.

Results: A study found different distraction methods were used between the ages of 6 to 12
who required blood test. Randomizing four groups; distraction cards, music, balloon inflation
and the control group. One hundred and twenty children included showing significantly lower
pain levels in the distraction card group (p=.057) than the control group. And all forms of
distraction showed notably reduced pain and anxiety. Another study showing data from two
academic pediatric hospitals and based on a total of 74,276 procedures which comfort
measures were given and if procedure was able to be performed in a single attempt it would be
considered a “successful event.” Ages ranging from 0 – 21 years old, broken up into five age
groups. Showing between 60 – 80% of patients within all age groups having successful events
with distraction techniques of playing with pinwheels, iPad, distraction kits and bubbles. Overall
the use of distraction appears to be beneficial and distraction techniques are dependent upon
age.

Conclusions: To assist with changes in practices that can spare the child from psychological
stress and improve comfort when undergoing acutely painful procedures.