Abstract
Introduction. Venepuncture in chronically-ill patients is one of
the invasive procedures most frequently repeated during the day.
Most children are frightened and anxious before this procedure,
and during venepuncture they cry, suffer pain and refuse to cooperate,
whereas parents are often worried and do not know how
to help.
Studies suggest that the first experiences of pain in neonatal age
can be associated with altered reactions to pain during childhood
and in adulthood.
Methods. Our sample included 203 patients aged between 2 and
15 years. During venepuncture a video was shown to the patient.
Pain and parent collaboration were measured using validated
scales.
Results. Significant differences were observed between the mean
score of pain in patients undergoing venepuncture with audiovisual
distracting technique (2.53 ± 1.76) and the mean score
obtained in those undergoing venepuncture without this technique
(5.22 ± 2.53).
In the group with audio-video distractors, the mean level of cooperation
was 0.38 (SD = 0.63) compared to 0.20 (SD = 0.54) in the
control group. In relation to the presence of parents, no significant
differences were found in the mean pain scores (P = 0,5 >
0,05), whereas the mean scores of cooperation were significantly
different (P = 0.0076 inf. 0.05)
Discussion. Audio-visual distraction effectively improved
pain management and favoured children?s cooperation during
venepuncture. This technique is cost-effective, so it can be widely
used for pain management and to promote cooperation with the
child, two aspects that are of key importance in building a relationship
of trustworthiness
