Hypnotherapy for Procedural Pain and Distress in Children: A Scoping Review Protocol

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Pain Management
• Complementary Therapies

Background:

• Inadequately treated procedural pain and distress in children can lead to long-term biopsychosocial issues.
• Hypnotherapy offers a psychologically tailored approach to manage pediatric pain and distress, complementing pharmacological treatments.
• Current research on hypnotherapy for pediatric procedural pain is limited, primarily focusing on oncology and needle procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively map the existing evidence on hypnotherapy for pediatric procedural pain and distress.
• To identify limitations in the current research, including a lack of detailed intervention reporting and exploration of influencing factors.
• To pinpoint areas for future investigation to enhance the application of hypnotherapy in pediatric care.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review methodology based on Arksey and O'Malley (2005) and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.
• Extensive literature searches across multiple databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, etc.) and grey literature.
• Independent screening and full-text review of relevant studies by two authors to ensure rigorous selection.

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize findings on the effectiveness and application of hypnotherapy for pediatric procedural pain.
• It will highlight the extent of reporting on intervention details, theoretical frameworks, and adverse events.
• Gaps concerning factors influencing hypnotic response and feasibility of implementation will be identified.

Conclusions:

• The findings will provide a clear overview of the current evidence base for hypnotherapy in pediatric procedural pain.
• This review will guide future research directions and the development of more effective, tailored hypnotic interventions for children.
• It aims to inform clinical practice and policy regarding the use of hypnotherapy for pediatric pain management.