Distraction

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Blog About Experiences With Immunizations

Conclusion: Distraction is still a
parent's best option

While conducting the research for this webpage, this writer noted that of all the techniques studied with regards to pain management for infants/toddlers/ and preschoolers during routine medical procedures, distraction was the most effective in assisting these little citizens cope with their pain.

A dominant researcher Lindsay Cohen (2002) found that the infant will display the same distress level during the actual injection moment with distraction, but pre-injection and post-injection distress will greatly decrease with the use of distraction.

So how does one go about providing
distraction techniques without
any training?

1. Use the most common of all types- bubbles for infants, books and videos for toddlers and preschool age

2. Develop a list of your child’s favorite activities and find one that fits in well with the time frame, location and ease of mobility with your physician’s office, or public health unit.

3. Ask your physician’s office or public health unit if any of their workers are trained in distraction techniques, that they could assist you with or provide some training for.

4. If the answer to #3 is No, then find a local Child Health Specialist- (located generally in the pediatric department of your local hospital), and ask if they could coordinate with your local immunization provider to teach them distraction techniques.

5. And last but not least- read books, your local library or book store may have more advice for distraction techniques.

The following videos represent two possible ways with which to help encourage your child to use distraction to cope with pain. The first one is a teaching technique to use with your older child- focusing on planning and use of breathing during the actual injection. The second video is a representation of the type of distractions, video with colorful active characters and music. Please click on the links to view.

Remember if you make the trip for the immunizations fun, the response to future doctor’s visits and medical procedures will be less stressful.

References:

Cohen, L. (2002). Reducing infant immunization distress through distraction. Health Psychology. Vol. 21 (2). p.207-211.

Cohen, L., Bernard, R., McClellan, C., Waggoner, C., Brandie, K., & MacLaren, J., (June 1, 2006). Topical anesthesia versus distraction for infant’s immunization with 6-month follow up. Children’s Health Care. 35 (2). p 103-121.

Driver, C., (9/24/2004). Vaccinations & EMLA cream. Practice Nurse. 28 (5). p.50-54. Retrieved January 28, 2007 from the CINAHL with Full Text Database

Maikler, V., (1991). Effects of a skin refrigerant/ anesthetic and age on the pain responses infants receiving immunizations. Research in Nursing & Health. 14 p397-403.

Weise, K., PharmD, Milap, C., PharmD., (2005). EMLA for painful procedures in infants. Journal of pediatric health care. Vol 19 No.1 p. 42-47