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[Reduction of pain perception of chronically ill children by intermittent infusion therapy]
E Fahrenheim1, U Wintergerst, B H Belohradsky
1Immundefekt-Ambulanz, Dr. von Haunersches Kinderspital, Universität München.
Insights
Chronically ill children undergoing frequent intravenous (IV) infusions experience less pain and distress using a combined local anesthesia and role-play method. This approach helps children actively manage the fear associated with these necessary medical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pain Management
- Child Psychology
Context:
- Children with chronic illnesses like Agammaglobulinemia and HIV require lifelong intravenous (IV) infusions.
- These regular, painful procedures can cause significant trauma, fear, and resistance in children.
- Existing coping mechanisms vary, with some children becoming sensitized to the painful stimuli.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a combined local anesthesia and role-playing intervention for reducing pain and distress during IV infusions in chronically ill children.
- To assess children's ability to actively manage threatening situations through therapeutic play.
Summary:
- A combined method using local anesthesia (Lidocaine/Prilocaine) and active role-plays with a puppet was implemented for IV infusions.
- Over 230 applications were administered to 20 children in an outpatient setting.
- Following the second or third application, 19 out of 20 children reported significantly reduced pain sensations.
Impact:
- The intervention proved effective in relieving pain and reducing distress associated with regular IV infusions.
- Children demonstrated an improved ability to actively cope with and manage the threatening aspects of the infusion procedure.
- This combined approach offers a valuable strategy for improving the care and well-being of chronically ill children undergoing invasive treatments.
Abstract:
Chronically ill children who require life-long i.v. infusions in regular intervals (i.e. Agammaglobulinemia, HIV-infection) can be traumatized by such painful procedures. Some children gradually accept such infusions, whereas other children become sensitized and react with increasing fear and resistance. We report on our experience with a combined method of local anaesthesia and active role-plays enacting the i.v. infusion on a puppet. In more than 230 applications (approximately 11 per child) in our outpatient clinic, 19/20 children reported significantly less pain sensations after the 2nd or 3rd application. The children learned to handle actively the threatening situation. The method of local anaesthesia with Lidocaine/Prilocaine and role playing is suitable to relieve pain and reduces distress of such invasive events as regular i.v. infusions are.