Effects of Whistling Compared with Buzzy Device During Blood Sampling on Pain and Fear in Children’s Emergency Department

ABSTRACT

Blood sampling from a peripheral vein in children can be significant. Pediatric nurses should be able to use the techniques which decrease the pain and fear duration of the blood sampling. This research studied the effect of vibration bee and whistling (concentrate on breathing) blood sampling on pain and fear in the children’s emergency. In this randomized clinical trial study, 120 children ages 3–6 years referred to a pediatric ward in Najaf, Iraq, using Random Blocking Method, were divided into three groups; vibration bee, whistling, and control group. A musical vibration bee, with the cold bag attached to it, was closed for 5 minutes at approximately 5-10 cm above the blood sampling site. A final minute, the vibration was applied; then, the procedure was done. The pain severity was measured by Wong Baker Faces scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS19 software at the significant level of 95%. There was a significant difference in pain intensity between the control groups and the intervention groups (p = .000). Moreover, there was a significant difference in children’s medical fear scale between the control groups and the intervention groups (p = .000). Whistling (concentrate on breathing) may be an easily accessed, inexpensive, and effective technique to control or reduce pain and fear in young children. But, vibration bee with cold has a greater effect for reducing pain and fear. It is suggested to use vibration bee (with cold) in painful aggressive procedures in children.

KEYWORDS:

• Vibration bee
• whistling
• pain
• peripheral vein
• children

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the administration and staffs in the pediatric emergency ward of the AL-Zahraa Hospital, Najaf, Iraq. We also would like to thank the children and their parents who participated in the research.

Disclosure statement

The authors reported no actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded by the deputy of research of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Iran.