The Effect of 3 Methods (Buzzy, ShotBlocker, and DistrACTION Cards) Used While Taking Blood Samples From Children...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare
• Pain management
• Child psychology

Background:

• Venous blood sampling is a common but potentially distressing procedure for children.
• Effective pain and anxiety management strategies are crucial for pediatric patient care.
• Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly explored to minimize procedural discomfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of three interventions—Buzzy, ShotBlocker, and DistrACTION Cards—in alleviating pain and anxiety during venous blood collection in children.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of these methods against a control group receiving standard care.
• To identify the most suitable intervention for reducing procedural distress in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• An experimental randomized controlled study was conducted with 242 children aged 9-12 years.
• Participants were allocated to one of four groups: Buzzy, ShotBlocker, DistrACTION Cards, or a control group.
• Data on pain and anxiety were collected using the Visual Analog Scale, Faces Pain Scale-Revised, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children.

Main Results:

• All three intervention groups (Buzzy, ShotBlocker, DistrACTION Cards) demonstrated significantly lower pain scores compared to the control group.
• Children in the control group reported higher levels of anxiety during the procedure.
• The study indicated a reduction in both pain and anxiety across all tested intervention groups.

Conclusions:

• Buzzy, ShotBlocker, and DistrACTION Cards are effective non-pharmacological methods for reducing pain and anxiety in children undergoing blood collection.
• "Buzzy" and "DistrACTION Cards" were found to be equally effective and can be preferred.
• ShotBlocker is also a viable option for pain and anxiety management in this pediatric population.