Effect of interactive distraction versus cutaneous stimulation for venipuncture pain relief in school age children

Abstract

Introduction: Venipuncture in pediatrics is one of the most distressing events and the most routinely performed invasive procedures that the child may expose during his/her hospitalization or illness. Non-pharmacological techniques are used to reduce venipuncture related pain. Distraction is a non-pharmacological technique that draws attention of the child away from the pain. Cutaneous stimulation is an independent nursing intervention that advocated relieving pain. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the interactive distraction versus cutaneous stimulation for venipuncture pain relief in school age children.

Method: Design: Quasi experimental study was used. Setting: the study was conducted at Children Hospital that is affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Data was collected from Emergency and Pediatric Medical Ward. Sampling: purposive samples of 100 children were involved in this study they were divided into 2 equal groups, 50 children in each group. Tools of data collection, Tool 1: questionnaire sheet, Tool 2: Pain assessment tool, Tool 3: monitoring vital signs and oxygen saturation were done 15 minutes before vein-puncture and 15 minutes after vein-puncture.

Results: The results revealed statistical significance difference between cutaneous stimulation and interactive distraction group.

Conclusion: The present study concludes that; interactive distraction technique had a positive pain relive effect and was better than cutaneous stimulation in relieving children’s pain during vein-puncture. There is significant difference between the effect of cutaneous stimulation and distraction techniques on children’s pain during vein-puncture. Recommendations: Application of non-pharmacological pain management in hospitals as a routine care, and further studies needed to evaluate the effectiveness of other non-pharmacological management techniques.