Quality improvement project to reduce pain and distress associated with immunization visits in pediatric primary care
Stephanie Burgess1, Donna G Nativio1, Joyce E Penrose1
1University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA.
Insights
This study reduced immunization pain in 4-6 year olds using distraction and anesthetic spray. Both children and caregivers reported significantly less distress with the new protocol.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Pain Management
- Quality Improvement
Background:
- Immunizations are essential for child health but can cause pain and distress.
- Existing protocols may not adequately address procedural pain in young children.
- Effective pain management strategies are needed to improve vaccination experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate an evidence-based immunization protocol for reducing pain and distress in 4-6 year old children.
- To assess the protocol's effectiveness in a community-based pediatric setting.
- To compare distress levels before and after protocol implementation.
Main Methods:
- A quasi-experimental design was used to implement an immunization protocol involving distraction and benzocaine spray.
- Data were collected from 30 children (ages 4-6) and their caregivers via surveys.
- Paired t-test analysis was employed to compare pre- and post-protocol distress levels.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in reported distress was observed in children after protocol implementation.
- Caregivers also reported a statistically significant reduction in their child's distress.
- The protocol proved effective in a community-based healthcare setting.
Conclusions:
- The evidence-based immunization protocol effectively reduces pain and distress in young children.
- Distraction and benzocaine spray are valuable tools for improving pediatric vaccination experiences.
- The protocol's successful implementation in an alternate setting supports its broader applicability.
Abstract:
This quality improvement project implemented an evidence-based immunization protocol aimed at decreasing pain and distress associated with immunizations for children ages 4 to 6 by utilizing distraction and a benzocaine-based anesthetic spray. The original protocol is used at a large, university-based pediatric primary care hospital. A convenience sample of 30 children from a community-based healthcare center was utilized to assess effectiveness in alternate settings. This quasi-experimental project collected survey information from child participants and consenting caregivers. Statistical analysis by paired t-test indicated a statistically significant decrease in reported distress by both the child and the caregiver utilizing the immunization protocol.
