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Reducing procedural pain and fear in children using a hologram fan and bubble machine: A randomized controlled trial
1Ege University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey.
Insights
Hologram fans and bubble machines significantly reduced pain and fear in children during venipuncture. Holograms demonstrated a greater effect, offering a simple distraction for improved pediatric care experiences.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pain management
- Child psychology in healthcare settings
- Medical procedure interventions
Background:
- Venipuncture is a common yet distressing procedure for children.
- Effective non-pharmacological methods are needed to manage pediatric procedural pain and fear.
- Distraction techniques show promise in improving pediatric patient experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of hologram fans and bubble machines in alleviating pain and fear during pediatric venipuncture.
- To compare the effects of hologram fans versus bubble machines against routine care.
- To assess the impact of these interventions on children's emotional responses and procedure duration.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 167 children aged 3-12 years undergoing venipuncture.
- Participants were allocated to a Control, Hologram Fan, or Bubble Machine group.
- Validated tools measured pain, fear, emotional responses, and procedure length; data analyzed using non-parametric tests.
Main Results:
- Both hologram fans and bubble machines reduced pain and fear during and after venipuncture compared to routine care.
- The hologram fan group reported significantly lower pain levels than the control group.
- Improved emotional indicators were observed in the hologram group compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Hologram fans and bubble machines are effective, low-cost interventions for reducing pediatric venipuncture-related pain and fear.
- Hologram fans appear to be more effective than bubble machines in mitigating these adverse effects.
- These simple distractions can contribute to more positive healthcare experiences for children.
Purpose:
To assess the effects of a hologram fan and a bubble machine on pain and fear during venipuncture in children.
Design And Methods:
This randomized controlled trial was conducted in the pediatrics department of a university hospital between February 2022 and June 2024. A total of 167 children aged 3-12 years requiring venipuncture were randomly assigned to Control, Hologram Fan, or Bubble Machine groups using block randomization. The Control group received routine care; the Hologram Fan group viewed 3D visual projections; and the Bubble Machine group was exposed to bubbles during the procedure. Pain, fear, emotional responses, and procedure duration were measured using validated tools. Data were analyzed with descriptive and non-parametric tests. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06044701).
Results:
Pain levels decreased significantly over time in all groups (p < 0.001), with the Hologram Fan group reporting lower pain than the Control group during the procedure (p = 0.036) Fear levels also declined significantly in the Hologram and Bubble groups during and after the procedure (p = 0.003; p = 0.005). Emotional indicators, including facial expression and interaction, were significantly better in the Hologram group compared to the Control group (p = 0.001; p = 0.010).
Conclusion:
Hologram fans and bubble machines effectively reduced children's pain and fear during venipuncture, with holograms showing greater effect. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Practice Implications:
Simple, low-cost distractions like hologram fans and bubble machines can reduce children's pain and fear, creating more positive care experiences.
