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Reducing immunization discomfort in 4- to 6-year-old children: a randomized clinical trial

F Ralph Berberich1, Zachary Landman

  • 1Pediatric Medical Group, Berkeley, California 94705, USA. dr.berberich@pediatricsuggestions.net

Pediatrics
|July 15, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A new distraction technique significantly reduced pain during childhood immunizations. This method combined verbal suggestions, visual focus, and cooling spray for children aged 4 to 6 years.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pain Management
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Childhood Immunization Interventions

Background:

  • Injection-associated pain is a common concern during childhood immunizations.
  • Effective pain management strategies are crucial for young children's cooperation and future healthcare experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate a multifaceted distraction intervention for reducing pain and discomfort in school-aged children undergoing immunizations.
  • To assess the efficacy of combining sensory and cognitive distraction techniques.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized clinical trial involving 41 children aged 4 to 6 years receiving standard immunizations.
  • The intervention group received topical ethyl chloride spray, verbal suggestions, and a visual focusing activity involving an arm gripper and vibrating instrument.
  • The control group received standard office routine care.

Main Results:

  • The intervention group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in pain and discomfort compared to the control group.
  • Patient self-report (P < .0013), parent report (P < .0002), and observational scores (P < .0001) all indicated significant pain reduction.

Conclusions:

  • The multifaceted distraction intervention effectively and significantly reduced pain and discomfort associated with childhood immunizations in 4- to 6-year-old children.
  • This approach offers a promising non-pharmacological method for managing procedural pain in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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