Sherwood Burns-Nader1, Stephanie Atencio2, Magdalena Chavez2. 1. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA sburns@ches.ua.edu. 2. Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a computer tablet as a distraction tool for minimizing pain and distress in children undergoing an injection. DESIGN: Using an experimental design, the subjects were randomly assigned to either participate in tablet distraction or receive no distraction during an injection. SETTING:A pediatric clinic in a small city in the Southeast region of the United States. SUBJECTS:Forty-one children, ages 4-11 years, who were receiving an immunization and their parents. METHODS: During an injection, children either participated in distraction using a computer tablet or did not receive distraction according to their group assignment. Children's emotional response was assessed using a behavioral observation to examine distress. Pain was also measured using a behavior observation scale. After the injection, children reported the level of pain they felt during the injection. RESULTS: A significant difference was found for pain, both self-reported and observed, and observed emotions. Children receiving distraction using a tablet displayed significantly higher amounts of pain and negative emotions. Gender differences in pain and emotions were found with females having a significantly higher amount of pain and negative emotions. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a tablet as a distraction was not effective in decreasing pain and distress in children receiving an injection.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a computer tablet as a distraction tool for minimizing pain and distress in children undergoing an injection. DESIGN: Using an experimental design, the subjects were randomly assigned to either participate in tablet distraction or receive no distraction during an injection. SETTING: A pediatric clinic in a small city in the Southeast region of the United States. SUBJECTS: Forty-one children, ages 4-11 years, who were receiving an immunization and their parents. METHODS: During an injection, children either participated in distraction using a computer tablet or did not receive distraction according to their group assignment. Children's emotional response was assessed using a behavioral observation to examine distress. Pain was also measured using a behavior observation scale. After the injection, children reported the level of pain they felt during the injection. RESULTS: A significant difference was found for pain, both self-reported and observed, and observed emotions. Children receiving distraction using a tablet displayed significantly higher amounts of pain and negative emotions. Gender differences in pain and emotions were found with females having a significantly higher amount of pain and negative emotions. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a tablet as a distraction was not effective in decreasing pain and distress in children receiving an injection.