A Cross-Sectional Review of Pain Management Interventions Used for Painful Pediatric Blood Draw Procedures in Hospital

Comparison of the effectiveness of three different distraction methods in reducing pain and anxiety during blood drawing in children: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals need to use effective pain and anxiety-relieving methods during blood drawing in children.

AIM

This study aimed to compare the effects of three different distraction methods (Virtual Reality Glasses, Kaleidoscope, and Distraction Cards) in reducing pain and anxiety during blood drawing in children.

METHODS

This study was a randomized controlled study. The research was conducted on 400 children between the ages of 7 and 11 years who required blood for routine check-ups upon the doctor's request and who met the sample selection criteria. Children were randomized into four groups: Virtual Reality Glasses, Kaleidoscope, Distraction Cards, and Control Group. Data were collected using the Interview and Observation Form, Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, and Children's Fear Scale. Wong-Baker FACES and Children's Fear Scale were assessed and reported by children, parent, and observer.

FINDINGS

Pain assessments of the child, parent, and observer after the procedure, and anxiety assessments of the parent, and observer after the procedure in the Virtual Reality Glasses, Kaleidoscope, and Distraction Cards Group were significantly lower than the Control Group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

All three methods applied to the child during blood drawing were effective in reducing the child's pain and anxiety level. However, it was found that the most effective method to relieve pain and anxiety is virtual reality glasses.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

These results contribute to the pain and anxiety management of children during blood drawing.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT06192498.

Effects of cartoon watching and bubble-blowing during venipuncture on pain, fear, and anxiety in children aged 6-8 years: A randomized experimental study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the effects of bubble-blowing (active distraction) and cartoon watching (passive distraction) techniques on pain, anxiety, and fear during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This experimental study randomly assigned 56 children aged 6-8 years to cartoon watching or bubble-blowing groups. The child, parent, and researcher assessed pain using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, anxiety using the Children's State Anxiety Scale, and fear using the Children's Fear Scale. The study data were analyzed using the Chi-square tests and independent Sample t-tests.

RESULTS

The groups were similar in clinical and demographic characteristics. The scores on pain, anxiety, and fear during the procedure were lower in the cartoon watching group than in the bubble-blowing group (pain t(47) = 2.638, p = .013; anxiety t(47) = 2.358, p = .023; and fear t(47) = 2.784, p = .008).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that cartoon watching as a passive distraction method was more effective in reducing pain, anxiety, and fear during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years compared to bubble-blowing as an active distraction method.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The cartoon watching technique, which is affordable, easy to access, and effective (in reducing pain, anxiety, and fear), can be safely used during venipuncture in children aged 6-8 years.