Effect of selected distraction technique on pain during venipuncture among toddlers

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the present study is to assess the effectiveness of selected distraction technique on pain during venipuncture among toddlers – a Randomized controlled trial in Paediatric ward and Paediatric Outpatient Department, JIPMER, Puducherry. Material and Methods: A Randomized controlled trial was adapted for this study. The study setting was Paediatric ward and Paediatric Outpatient Department, Women and Children Hospital, JIPMER, Puducherry. 126 samples (63 in each group) who satisfied the inclusion criteria were selected using simple random sampling technique by means of computer generated random numbers sealed in opaque envelops. After obtaining formal permission from the institutuion and written informed consent from the mothers, toddlers were allocated to control and interventional group by block randomization technique. Interventional group toddlers were made to lie on the bed and showed selected distracting technique (sound and colorful light producing toy) two minutes before the venipuncture, during venipuncture and continued two minutes after completion of venipuncture, and pain score was assessed using FLACC scale. The child in the control group underwent venipuncture procedure in a routine manner and the pain score was assessed using FLACC scale. Results: The study results showed that there was a significant reduction in the mean pain score of toddlers who received selected distraction technique. There is no significant association between the pain score and socio-demographic variables of the toddlers like age, gender and weight. Conclusion: Distraction is an effective method of managing pain in children during venipuncture. Colorful and sound producing toy is an effective distractor in reducing pain in children during venipuncture. This technique emphasizes the concepts and importance of providing atraumatic care to children. Providing the child with colorful and sound producing toy is low cost intervention that can be effectively used in children.