Distraction techniques for venepuncture: a review

Abstract

Venepuncture is one of the most feared hospital procedures for children and inadequate pain management has the potential to affect future care. Distraction has been shown to help to reduce procedural distress in children. A thematic analysis of relevant literature on distraction techniques revealed that passive distraction is more effective than active distraction during venepuncture and that the effectiveness of a particular technique depends on the attention capacity of the child and their engagement in the distraction activity.

An exploration of Singaporean parental experiences in managing school‐aged children’s postoperative pain: a descriptive qualitative approach

“…2006, Lai et al . 2006, Murphy 2009). The cognitive‐behavioural methods frequently used by parents in this study are those that were most commonly used by Singaporean nurses (He et al 2010a).…”

Children’s experiences of procedural pain management in conjunction with trauma wound dressings

“…The opportunity to choose distraction techniques, which engages the individual child, is important. The effectiveness of a particular distracter probably depends on the children and their engagement in the distraction activity (Murphy 2009). In another study, less pain was associated with greater engagement in distraction (Jeffs 2007).…”

The use of nonpharmacological methods for children's postoperative pain relief: Singapore nurses' perspectives

“…The cognitive–behavioral methods that revealed good reported evidence in the literature for children's pain relief included: distraction (Bellieni et al., 2006; Dahlquist et al., 2002; Murphy, 2009), imagery (Huth, Broome, & Good, 2004), relaxation (Schaffer & Yucha, 2004), and preparatory information (Kain, Mayes, & Caramico, 1996; Kolk, van Hoof, & Fiedeldij Dop, 2000). Although breathing techniques are used by pediatric nurses, the bulk of the evidence for their use comes from adult nursing literature.…”