The Effect of External Thermomechanical Stimulation and Distraction on Reducing Pain Experienced by Children During Blood Drawing

Pediatr Emerg Care. 2020 Feb;36(2):66-69. doi: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000001264.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the sole and combined effects of external thermomechanical stimulation and distraction in pain relief of children during blood drawing.This is a randomized clinical trial. The sample consisted of 218 children aged 6 to 12 years who were randomly assigned to 4 groups: group 1 received no intervention, group 2 received external thermomechanical stimulation using Buzzy, group 3 received distraction via DistrACTION Cards, and group 4 received a combination of both external thermomechanical stimulation and distraction. Preprocedural anxiety was assessed through observers' observations using the Children's Anxiety and Pain Scale. Children's pain levels were assessed by themselves, observers, and parents, as reported using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised. Preprocedural anxiety did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). When the 3 study groups were compared with the control group, all 3 groups had significantly lower pain levels than the control group (P < 0.001). The lowest pain level was measured in the combined condition (Buzzy and DistrACTION Cards). The mean score of the device group was lower than the distraction group.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Cold Temperature
  • Cryotherapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needles
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain / prevention & control*
  • Pain Management / methods*
  • Pain Measurement / methods
  • Parents
  • Phlebotomy / adverse effects*
  • Physical Stimulation / instrumentation
  • Vibration / therapeutic use