The Effects of Two Methods Applied on Pain and Fear During Phlebotomy in Children

Sinem Basdemir138 enrolled

Overview

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using an externally vibrating dolphin-shaped Dolphin massage device and digital storytelling via tablet on pain and fear in children aged 3 to 6 years during blood collection. Method: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with 105 children aged 3-6 years who visited the pediatric blood collection unit of a training and research hospital between June 2024 and June 2025. This study used the CONSORT checklist. After obtaining consent from the child and parent, the children (n=105) were assigned to one of the groups (Dolphin massage device group (n=35), digital storytelling group (n=35), control group (n=35)) using block randomization. The children's pain and fear scores were assessed after phlebotomy by their parents, the nurse performing the phlebotomy, and the researcher using the Wong-Baker Pain Scale and the Child Fear Scale. The phlebotomy procedure was performed by a single nurse.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 3 YearsMax age: 6 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Children whose parents and themselves agree to participate in the study * Children from whom blood was successfully drawn on the first attempt Exclusion Criteria: * Children with chronic illnesses, * Children with intellectual disabilities, * Children who have received analgesics in the last 24 hours, * Children who have undergone surgery, * Children who are hospitalized, * Children from whom blood could not be drawn on the first attempt * Children who do not agree to participate in the study

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain intensity during phlebotomy

Pain intensity was assessed during the phlebotomy procedure using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale. Children rated their pain on a scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain). The scale includes six facial expressions ranging from "0" (smiling, "cruel"), 1-2 (hurts a little), 3-4 (hurts a little more), 5-6 (hurts even more), 7-8 (hurts a lot), and 9-10 (hurts the worst). It provides a 0-10 rating for assessing acute pain in children. It does not require verbal or numerical skills. Scores obtained from the scale are directly proportional to pain tolerance.

Time frame: During the phlebotomy procedure

Fear during phlebotomy

Fear was measured using the Child Fear Scale. The scale includes 5 different facial expressions. This scale is scored from 0 to 4 and is a reliable and valid measurement tool for assessing fear. As the score obtained from the scale increases, fear increases.

Time frame: During the phlebotomy procedure

The Effects of Two Methods Applied on Pain and Fear During Phlebotomy in Children

Overview

Conditions

Interventions

Eligibility

Locations (1)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes