Relief of Pain During Blood Specimen Collection in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the effect of external cold and vibration stimulation via Buzzy (R) on pain and anxiety levels of children during blood specimen collection. Study Design and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 120 children aged from 6 to 12 years undergoing phlebotomy. We randomly assigned subjects to a control group (no intervention) or an experimental group that received external cold and vibration via a device called Buzzy (R). External cold and vibration were applied just before the blood specimen collection procedure and continued until the end of the procedure. Preprocedural and procedural anxiety were assessed using the Children's Anxiety and Pain Scale along with parent and observer reports. Procedural pain was assessed via the Faces Pain Scale-Revised along with self-report of children, and parents' and observer's reports. Results: The experimental group showed significantly lower pain (p < .001) and anxiety levels (p < .001) compared to the control group during the blood specimen collection procedure. Use of Buzzy (R) did not cause a significant difference in the success of the blood specimen collection procedure. Clinical Implications: Use of external cold and vibration via Buzzy (R) decreased perceived pain and reduced children's anxiety during blood specimen collection.