Active and Passive Distraction in Children Undergoing Wound Dressings

• Published in: Journal of pediatric nursing Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 158 - 166
• Main Authors: Nilsson, Stefan, Enskär, Karin, Hallqvist, Carina, Kokinsky, Eva
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-04-2013; W.B. Saunders Company/JNL
• Subjects: Anxiety; Bandages - adverse effects; Candy; Child; Child, Preschool; Children; Children & youth; Coping behaviour; Distraction; Emotional disorders; Female; Humans; Injuries and wounds; Integrated Caring Science; Integrerad vårdutveckling; Lesions; Male; Nursing; Pain; Pain - etiology; Pain - prevention & control; Pain management; Psychological distress; Stress, Psychological - prevention & control; Sweden; Video Games; Wound healing; Wounds and Injuries - nursing; Sweden; Pain; Injuries and wounds; Coping behaviour
• ISSN: 0882-5963; 1532-8449; 1532-8449
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2012.06.003

The aim of this study was to test how distraction influences pain, distress and anxiety in children during wound care. Sixty participants aged 5–12years were randomized to three groups: serious gaming, the use of lollipops and a control group. Self-reported pain, distress, anxiety and observed pain behaviour were recorded in conjunction with wound care. Serious gaming, an active distraction, reduced the observed pain behaviour and self-reported distress compared with the other groups. A sense of control and engagement in the distraction, together, may be the explanation for the different pain behaviours when children use serious gaming.