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A novel technology approach to pain management in children with burns: A prospective randomized controlled trial
K Miller1, S Rodger, B Kipping
1The Centre for Children's Burns & Trauma Research, Queensland Children's Medical Research, The University of Queensland, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. kate.miller@uqconnect.edu.au
Insights
A new Multi Modal Distraction (MMD) protocol significantly reduced pain and distress in young children undergoing burn care. This approach also shortened treatment length and decreased adverse pain events, improving clinical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Burn Care Innovations
- Digital Health Interventions
Background:
- Non-pharmacological methods are crucial for managing pediatric burn pain.
- Technology integration enhances preparation and distraction techniques for children.
- Previous studies explored technology-assisted interventions for pain management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a combined preparation and distraction protocol for reducing pain and distress in children during burn procedures.
- To assess the clinical utility and efficiency of this novel approach.
Main Methods:
- Forty children (3-10 years) with acute burns were randomized into Standard Distraction (SD) or Multi Modal Distraction (MMD) groups.
- The MMD group received a combined procedural preparation and distraction protocol.
- Pain intensity, child distress, treatment length, healing time, and adverse pain events were measured.
Main Results:
- The MMD protocol significantly decreased pain intensity and distress scores compared to SD (p<0.001).
- MMD also led to a significant reduction in treatment length (p<0.05) and adverse pain events (p<0.05).
- A trend towards reduced days to healing was observed with the MMD protocol.
Conclusions:
- A combined MMD protocol effectively minimizes pain and distress in pediatric burn care.
- Procedural preparation is a key component of effective non-pharmacological pain management.
- This technology-driven approach demonstrates clinical efficacy by improving outcomes and reducing adverse events.
Background:
Non-pharmacological approaches to supporting young children through painful medical procedures are an essential component of burn pain management protocols. New technology developed from collaborations between healthcare professionals and IT teams can enhance the preparation and distraction approaches used with children. This study follows on from previous studies using such technology, and aim to determine whether levels of pain and distress using a combined preparation and distraction content can be further reduced, and offer more efficient clinical outcomes.
Methods:
Forty children (3-10 years) undergoing acute burn care procedures were randomized to two groups: (1) Standard Distraction (SD) Group and (2) Multi Modal Distraction (MMD) Group (combined protocol of procedural preparation and distraction). Pain intensity and child distress were measured prior to and during the procedure. Clinical utility end points were also included; length of treatment, days to healing and adverse pain events.
Results:
A combined MMD protocol significantly reduced pain intensity (p<0.001) and distress scores (p<0.001) when compared to SD. Length of treatment (p<0.05), days to healing and the number of pain adverse events were also reduced (p<0.05) with the use of the MMD protocol.
Conclusions:
A combined MMD protocol reduces the pain experiences for young children during burn care procedures. When compared with a previous MMD trial, outcomes reiterated the use of procedural preparation as an essential component of non-pharmacological approaches. In addition to minimizing pain and distress, this innovative technology reduced treatment length and pain adverse events, and may have an impact on reducing days to healing, providing evidence of clinical efficacy and utility.
