Immunization injections are a significant source of pain for infants. Tactile stimulation (rubbing/applying pressure) may be an effective and feasible pain-relieving intervention - it is cost neutral, and has been shown to be effective in children and adults undergoing injections. The aim of this study is to determine the added benefit of tactile stimulation when added to other proven analgesic interventions during routine infant immunization injections.
Immunization injections are a significant source of pain for infants. At present, effective and feasible pain-relieving interventions include sugar water, fast injection without aspiration, and holding infants during the procedure. These methods, however, do not eliminate pain in all infants. Additional interventions are therefore needed. Tactile stimulation (rubbing/applying pressure) has been shown to reduce injection pain in children and adults, and may be a suitable intervention for infant injections. It is cost neutral, requires no preparation, and is easily incorporated into practice. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of tactile stimulation when added to other proven analgesic interventions on reducing pain during infant immunization injections.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
120
Immunizer will rub the ipsilateral limb before, during and after immunization injection(s)
Dr. Tommy Ho Pediatric Clinic
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
RECRUITINGInfant Pain as assessed by the Modified Behavioral Pain Scale
assessed from videotaped procedure
Time frame: First 15 seconds after injection
Parent rating of infant pain using the Numerical Rating Scale
Time frame: first minute after injection
Immunizer rating of infant pain using the Numerical Rating Scale
Time frame: first minute after injection
Infant crying time
assessed from videotaped procedure
Time frame: duration of crying after injection
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.