Using Buzzy ® in venipunctures: perceptions of children and adolescents with congenital cardiopathies

Abstract

Objective: to understand the experiences undergone by children and adolescents with congenital cardiopathies in relation to using vibration along with cryotherapy (Buzzy ® ) during venipunctures. Method: a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study conducted with children and adolescents hospitalized due to congenital cardiopathies. The data were collected by means of audio-recorded semi-structured interviews, after using Buzzy ® during venipunctures. The data were analyzed via inductive content analysis, as proposed by Elo and Kyngas. Results: the participants were 15 children and adolescents with a mean age of 11.1±3.6 years old. Four categories were created, which evidenced the experiences undergone by children and adolescents with cardiopathies when using Buzzy ® , namely: Perceiving pain reduction or not; Experiencing physical sensations of relaxation and anesthesia; Getting distracted with Buzzy ® ; and Reducing anxiety. It was identified that the participants experienced pain and anxiety reductions, anesthesia, relaxation and distraction when using the device, as only two perceived no difference. Conclusion: Buzzy ® can be an effective non-pharmacology strategy to manage pain and anxiety during venipunctures in pediatric patients, as it showed benefits in the physical and emotional aspects, with the possibility of being using both in the clinical practice and in future research studies.