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Published on: December 16, 2010
Case study: videogame distraction reduces behavioral distress in a preschool-aged child undergoing repeated burn
Soumitri Sil1, Lynnda M Dahlquist, Andrew J Burns
1Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA.
Insights
Interactive video games effectively reduced distress and improved cooperation during painful burn dressing changes for a preschooler. This pain management strategy proved feasible and beneficial.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Child Psychology
- Medical Procedure Distraction Techniques
Background:
- Repeated burn dressing changes are a common source of significant behavioral distress in preschool-aged children.
- Effective, non-pharmacological pain management strategies are crucial for improving patient experience and adherence to treatment.
- Videogame distraction presents a potential avenue for mitigating procedural pain and distress.
Observation:
- A single-subject design study utilized a 4-year-old girl undergoing repeated burn dressing changes.
- The study compared passive and interactive videogame distraction against baseline conditions.
- Behavioral distress was objectively coded, with parent and nurse ratings assessing cooperation and distress levels.
Findings:
- Videogame distraction, both passive and interactive, significantly reduced behavioral distress compared to baseline.
- Interactive videogame distraction resulted in demonstrably lower behavioral distress and higher cooperative behavior than passive distraction.
- The findings suggest a dose-response relationship, with interactive elements enhancing efficacy.
Implications:
- Interactive videogame distraction is a feasible and effective strategy for managing procedural pain in young children.
- This approach can be integrated into clinical practice for painful medical procedures.
- Further research into optimizing videogame interventions for pediatric pain is warranted.
Objective:
This single-subject design study evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of passive and interactive videogame distraction on behavioral distress for a preschool-aged child receiving repeated burn dressing changes.
Method:
A 4-year-old girl underwent 3 baseline and 10 videogame distraction sessions (5 passive and 5 interactive) using a restricted alternating treatments design. Observed behavioral distress was coded, and parents and nurses rated the child's distress and cooperative behavior.
Results:
Relative to baseline, behavioral distress decreased and cooperative behavior increased immediately after the onset of videogame distraction. Single Case Randomization Tests revealed significantly lower behavioral distress and greater cooperation during interactive videogame distraction relative to passive videogame distraction.
Conclusions:
Interactive videogame distraction appears to be a feasible and effective pain management strategy for a preschool-aged child undergoing repeated painful medical procedures.
