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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
Published on: January 27, 2010
A comparative study on buzzy device vs digital distraction technique for mitigating pain during venipuncture among
Benazeera1, Priya Reshma Aranha2, K Yashaswini3
1Department of Child Health Nursing, Yenepoya Nursing College, Yenepoya Deemed to be University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. benazeera@yenepoya.edu.in.
Insights
The Buzzy device and computer tablet distraction significantly reduced pain in children during needle procedures. The Buzzy device was more effective than the computer tablet for managing pediatric pain during venipuncture.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pain Management
- Clinical Trials
- Medical Interventions
Background:
- Pediatric pain during hospitalization, especially from needle procedures like venipuncture, causes significant distress.
- Effective pain management strategies are crucial for improving children's hospital experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a Buzzy device and computer tablet distraction against routine care in reducing venipuncture pain in children.
- To evaluate pain scores using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R).
Main Methods:
- A randomized clinical trial involving 96 children aged 4-12 years in Karnataka, India.
- Participants were divided into three groups: Buzzy device, computer tablet distraction, or routine care.
- Pain was assessed using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R).
Main Results:
- Both the Buzzy device and computer tablet distraction significantly reduced pain scores compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
- The Buzzy device arm showed a mean FPS-R score of 0.31 ± 0.74.
- The computer tablet arm had a mean FPS-R score of 3.25 ± 1.95, with the Buzzy device being more effective.
Conclusions:
- The Buzzy device and computer tablet distraction are effective in minimizing pain during venipuncture in children.
- The Buzzy device demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to computer tablet distraction.
- These interventions should be considered for integration into pediatric clinical practice to enhance patient comfort.
Abstract:
Pain is a complex and unpleasant phenomenon, particularly in children, wherein frequent use of needle procedures during the process of hospitalisation significantly increases somatic and emotional distress in children. This randomised clinical trial was conducted among children aged 4-12 years admitted to a paediatric ward in Karnataka, India. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three arms: a Buzzy device intervention arm, a computer tablet distraction arm, or a control arm receiving routine care. Pain during venipuncture was assessed using the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R), scored on a 0-10 scale. A total of 96 children were randomised, with 32 allocated to each of the Buzzy device, computer tablet distraction, and control arms. Both distraction interventions significantly reduced the FPR-R pain score compared with the control arm. The mean FPS-R score was 0.31 ± 0.74 in the Buzzy device arm and 3.25 ± 1.95 in the computer tablet arm. The between-group differences in pain scores were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with the Buzzy device demonstrating greater effectiveness than the computer tablet distraction. The Buzzy device and distraction techniques significantly minimised FPS-R pain scores in children, with the Buzzy device being the most effective. These findings support the incorporation of such interventions into paediatric clinical practice to enhance patient comfort.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI/2023/04/051864 registered on 21/04/2023).
