Passive versus active distraction and parental coaching in reducing child pain and distress during venipunctures

Abstract

Background: Venipunctures are a common medical procedure, which represent a source of pain and distress for children and their parents. While distraction has shown to be effective in reducing children’s needle-related pain and distress, research comparing the effectiveness of different distraction interventions is lacking. Although laboratory-based research supports the effectiveness of interactive compared to passive distraction, it is unknown whether this translates to real-life medical settings. Additionally, the benefit of parental distraction coaching is unclear. This study explored how distraction type and parent coaching impacts children’s pain experiences and parental knowledge on effective pain management strategies. Methods: Using a cross-sectional experimental design 50 children, scheduled for a venepuncture, and their parents were randomly allocated to one of four conditions: interactive distraction only, passive distraction only, interactive distraction with parent coaching, and passive distraction with parent coaching. ANOVA’s were used to investigate the impact of the distraction type and presence of parental coaching on children’s post-procedural reported pain and distress as well as parental knowledge of effective pain management techniques. Results: Preliminary analyses revealed no differences between the four conditions for child pain and distress. However, more pain and distress was reported by children accompanied by their father compared to their mother, especially in the conditions without parental coaching. The presence of parental coaching showed a trend to improve parent’s understanding of how reassurance can increase child distress. Conclusions: This research highlights child and parental characteristics might influence the effectiveness of a particular distractor and use of parents as distraction coaches.