Therapeutic communication improves patient comfort during venipuncture in children: a single-blinded intervention study
Lonneke A. M. Aarts,
Geert-Jan van Geffen,
Eva A. L. Smedema
et al.
Abstract:The aim of this study was to examine whether therapeutic communication improves children’s comfort during venipuncture compared to standard communication. This study was registered in the Dutch trial register (NL8221), December 10, 2019. This single-blinded interventional study was carried out in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital. Inclusion criteria were age between 5 and 18 years, use of topical anesthesia (EMLA) and sufficient understanding of the Dutch language. 105 children were included, 51 assi… Show more
Venipuncture and peripheral intravenous access are the painful procedures more com- monly performed in children. The aim of this article is to present the techniques availa- ble and more commonly employed to decrease pain and distress during these procedures. Evidence shows that pharmacological techniques, such as the application of anaesthetic creams or topical anaesthesia, have the best pain-relieving effect. Nevertheless, considering that the painful experience during venipuncture and vascular access are related both to perceived pain and procedural anxiety, the integrated use of pharmacological and non-pharmacological techniques is warranted. In this sense, the appropriate preparation is a cornerstone of the procedure. In the article, brief management strategies, with easily implemented techniques to improve daily practice are provided.
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