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Using a tablet computer during pediatric procedures: a case series and review of the "apps"
Alisa McQueen1, Chelsea Cress, Alison Tothy
1Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637,USA. lisa.mcqueen@gmail.com
Insights
Distraction with the Apple iPad effectively reduced pain and anxiety in children during medical procedures, decreasing the need for physical restraint or procedural sedation. This technology offers a valuable, non-pharmacologic approach for pediatric pain management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Emergency Medicine
- Child Psychology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Painful and anxiety-provoking procedures in children often necessitate physical restraint or procedural sedation.
- Non-pharmacologic distraction techniques serve as effective adjuncts, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for sedation or restraint.
Observation:
- A case series demonstrated successful use of the Apple iPad for distraction in pediatric patients undergoing painful procedures.
- This approach eliminated the need for physical restraint or procedural sedation in the observed cases.
Findings:
- The Apple iPad, utilized as a distraction tool, proved effective in managing procedural pain and anxiety in children.
- Specific applications (apps) on the iPad were identified as beneficial, with features aiding selection based on age, developmental stage, and procedure type.
Implications:
- The iPad presents a promising, non-pharmacologic intervention for pediatric pain and anxiety management in emergency settings.
- Healthcare providers can leverage this technology to improve patient comfort and potentially reduce healthcare costs associated with sedation and restraint.
Abstract:
Children who require procedures and interventions that might be painful or anxiety provoking often require physical restraint, procedural sedation, or both. Nonpharmacologic distraction techniques have been shown to be a helpful adjunct in these situations and can decrease or even eliminate the need for restraint or sedation. We present a case series of children who successfully underwent painful procedures using no restraint or sedation, but rather, distraction with the Apple iPad. We are finding this device to be increasingly useful in the management of pain and anxiety in the pediatric emergency department. We review several available applications (also known as "apps") available on this device with particular attention to features that assist providers in selecting appropriate ones by age, developmental stage, and type of procedure.
