Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Distraction and Hypnosis for Needle-related Pain and Distress in Children and Adolescents

Overview

Journal J Pediatr Psychol

Publisher Oxford University Press

Date 2014 Jun 4

PMID 24891439

Citations 64

Authors

Kathryn A Birnie

Melanie Noel

Jennifer A Parker

Christine T Chambers

Lindsay S Uman

Steve R Kisely

Patrick J McGrath

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review the evidence (and quality) for distraction and hypnosis for needle-related pain and distress in children and adolescents. To explore the effects of distraction characteristics (e.g., adult involvement, type of distracter), child age, and study risk of bias on treatment efficacy.

Methods: 26 distraction and 7 hypnosis trials were included and self-report, observer-report, and behavioral pain intensity and distress examined. Distraction studies were coded for 4 intervention characteristics, and all studies coded for child age and study risk of bias.

Results: Findings showed strong support for distraction and hypnosis for reducing pain and distress from needle procedures. The quality of available evidence was low, however. Characteristics of distraction interventions, child age, and study risk of bias showed some influence on treatment efficacy.

Conclusions: Distraction and hypnosis are efficacious in reducing needle-related pain and distress in children. The quality of trials in this area needs to be improved.

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