The Effect of Psychological Intervention on Perceived Pain in Children Undergoing Venipuncture

Abstract

Aims. The main objective of the study was to determine the effect of structured psychological intervention on the level of perceived pain in children undergoing venipuncture. A second goal was to investigate how pain behavior during venipuncture is affected by age, sex, previous number of venipunctures, the presence of parents during the procedure and reason for the venipuncture.Methods. Children with indications for venipuncture aged 5-10 years, were randomly divided into a control group and an intervention group. The control group was prepared for the venipuncture routinely. Children in the intervention group were prepared according to prior structured psychological consultation. Perceived pain levels were assessed by the CHEOPS scale and the self report Wong and Baker faces pain rating scale.Results. A significant difference in evaluated pain between the intervention group and the control group was found. The psychological intervention carried out by a nurse proved to lower pain levels from venipuncture as measured by the CHEOPS scale and evaluated using the self-report scale. A greater level of pain was found in children in the age group 5-7 years, in children where peripheral venous catheter was introduced and in children where the parents were present. Special consultation with the child one day before venipuncture reduced pain levels, especially in children below the age-category mentioned.Consultation should be part of the standard of care for children with indications for venipuncture.

Comparison between the Analgesic Effect of two Techniques on the Level of Pain Perception During venipuncture in Children up to 7 Years of Age: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…A study conducted by Lucie Sikorova, Petra Hrazdilova [10] also supports the findings of present study who revealed that a greater level of pain was in children where the parents were present. The psychological intervention carried out by a nurse proved to lower pain levels from venipuncture as measured by the CHEOPS scale and evaluated using the self-report scale.…”

Pain During Office Removal of K-Wires From the Elbow in Children

“…18 Our study confirms this finding. In addition, prior authors have reported sex differences in pain behavior.…”

“…Previous authors have demonstrated that distraction techniques and a reward, such as bubbles, music, or toys, lower pain behavior in children during minor procedures such as venipuncture or the placement of intravenous lines. [14][15][16][17][18][19] In the present study, we utilized stickers and lollipops as distraction and reward techniques for each child. Distraction techniques are simple, practical, effective, and inexpensive pain management strategies for children.…”

The Role of Pain Catastrophizing Score in the Prediction of Venipuncture Pain Severity

“…Pain perception severity regarding inserting a needle into the vein is related to patient's age and his/her former pain experiences . Investigators put forward that affective factors such as anxiety and fear have a substantial impact on the perception of venipuncture pain . Combined with affective factors, cognitive characteristics, which are depicted in PCS, may play a significant role in the perception of venipuncture pain.…”