Julie Piazza1,2, Sandra Merkel3, Harry Neusius4, Susan Murphy5, Joan Gargaro3,2, Brooke Rothberg6, Kristin A Kullgren3,7. 1. University of Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI; julipiaz@med.umich.edu. 2. Child & Family Life and Office of Patient Experience Department, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI. 3. University of Michigan Medicine, C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI. 4. Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI. 5. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI. 6. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. 7. Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Blood draws are a routine element of the pediatric patient experience. They are also associated with the greatest fear and pain for a child. Because of the limited literature regarding phlebotomists' knowledge, experience, training, or stress related to their use of comfort techniques during pediatric blood draws, this study explored current practices and training methods. Phlebotomist training tends to focus on clinical technique rather than pediatric or patient comfort support. The study includes aims to develop a measurement for phlebotomists' use of comfort techniques for pediatric blood draws. METHOD: Focus groups of parent advocates (n = 24) and pediatric phlebotomists (n = 11) reviewed the survey questionnaire, and it was revised before being e-mailed to hospital system phlebotomists (n = 128). RESULTS: Almost half of the sample group lacked training in child development. The most frequently used comfort measures were words of explanation and reassurance, positioning of the child, and distraction. Requesting child life specialist support and using pain management devices or topical anesthetics were used less often. Primary challenges to performing pediatric blood draws were anxious patients and parents. CONCLUSION: Phlebotomists' use of available comfort measures occurs infrequently. Including child development and comfort techniques in training programs is essential to providing pediatric patients with a more satisfactory experience.
BACKGROUND: Blood draws are a routine element of the pediatric patient experience. They are also associated with the greatest fear and pain for a child. Because of the limited literature regarding phlebotomists' knowledge, experience, training, or stress related to their use of comfort techniques during pediatric blood draws, this study explored current practices and training methods. Phlebotomist training tends to focus on clinical technique rather than pediatric or patient comfort support. The study includes aims to develop a measurement for phlebotomists' use of comfort techniques for pediatric blood draws. METHOD: Focus groups of parent advocates (n = 24) and pediatric phlebotomists (n = 11) reviewed the survey questionnaire, and it was revised before being e-mailed to hospital system phlebotomists (n = 128). RESULTS: Almost half of the sample group lacked training in child development. The most frequently used comfort measures were words of explanation and reassurance, positioning of the child, and distraction. Requesting child life specialist support and using pain management devices or topical anesthetics were used less often. Primary challenges to performing pediatric blood draws were anxiouspatients and parents. CONCLUSION: Phlebotomists' use of available comfort measures occurs infrequently. Including child development and comfort techniques in training programs is essential to providing pediatric patients with a more satisfactory experience.
Authors: Jenalee R Doom; Brie M Reid; Emily Nagel; Sheila Gahagan; Ellen W Demerath; Julie C Lumeng Journal: Dev Psychobiol Date: 2020-09-09 Impact factor: 3.038
Authors: Jung-Hee Ryu; Sung-Hee Han; Sang Mee Hwang; Jiyoun Lee; Sang-Hwan Do; Jin-Hee Kim; Jin-Woo Park Journal: Front Med (Lausanne) Date: 2022-04-07