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Comparison of Two Brief Parent-Training Interventions for Child Distress During Parent-Administered Needle Procedures
Keith J Slifer1, Melissa Demore, Natalie Vona-Messersmith
1Department of Behavioral Psychology, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
Summary
This study examined behavior management and distraction techniques for children undergoing needle procedures. Neither technique consistently reduced distress or improved parent strategies in children with chronic illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Pain Management
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Recurrent needle procedures in children with chronic illnesses can cause significant distress.
- Parental involvement in managing child distress during medical procedures is crucial.
- Existing behavior management strategies may not be universally effective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of general child behavior management training versus distraction for pain management in children undergoing needle procedures.
- To assess the impact of these interventions on child behavioral distress and parental strategy use.
- To evaluate outcomes in children with chronic illnesses requiring repeated injections.
Main Methods:
- Randomized clinical trial with 47 children with chronic illnesses.
- Two intervention groups: general child behavior management training and distraction for pain management training.
- Repeated parent-administered needle procedures observed via videotape.
- Coding of child behavioral distress and parental behavior management strategies at baseline and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Many children exhibited minimal distress at baseline.
- Among children with significant distress, neither intervention group showed consistently reduced procedural distress.
- Neither intervention led to a consistent increase in parental use of child behavior management strategies.
Conclusions:
- Neither general behavior management training nor distraction techniques proved consistently effective in reducing procedural distress or enhancing parental strategies for children with chronic illnesses.
- Further research is needed to identify more effective interventions for managing needle-related pain and distress in this population.
- The findings highlight the challenges in managing procedural pain and distress in pediatric chronic illness populations.