Authors (including presenting author) :
Lau KY(1), Wong SY(1), Wong KN(1), Lam ST(1), Fong KS(1), Lee WSB(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital
Keyword 2: :
Animated Cartoon
Keyword 4: :
Paediatric Venipuncture
Introduction :
Venipuncture is a common hospital procedure often perceived by children as one of the most distressing and painful experiences. Early negative experiences with needle-based procedures can result in long-term needle phobia, persisting into adulthood and manifest various adverse responses. Studies consistently demonstrates that distraction is an effective and non-pharmacological strategy to reduce pain and anxiety, particularly audio-visual methods. In 2024, our nursing team adopted an evidence-based practice approach and launched a pilot project to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led animated cartoon distraction in preschool-aged children undergoing venipuncture.
Objectives :
1.To reduce pain among preschool-aged children undergo venipuncture through nurse-led animated cartoon distraction. 2.To enhance cooperation of preschool-aged children, thereby facilitating smoothness and success during venipuncture.
Methodology :
A quasi-experimental design was employed. The project was conducted between June and September 2024 in general paediatric wards and Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Patients aged 3-6 years requiring venipuncture were recruited and allocated into two groups: 1) experimental group received venipuncture with animated cartoon distraction via a portable projector; and 2) control group underwent venipuncture without distraction. Nurses were trained in the workflow procedures for both groups, pain assessment using Face-Leg-Activity-Cry-Consolability (FLACC) scale, and projector operation. Outcome measures included pain intensity, procedural smoothness and success, and satisfaction ratings from parents and doctors using a six-point Likert scale questionnaire.
Result & Outcome :
A total of 30 venipuncture episodes were conducted in each group. Patients in the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower pain score during venipuncture (mean 4.5 vs. 6, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.027) and after the procedure (mean 3 vs. 5, p < .001, Cohen’s d = 0.820). Procedural success improved with fewer attempts required in the experimental group (mean 1.1 vs. 1.6). In addition, parent satisfaction increased, with mean score rising from 3 in the control group to 4.6 in the experimental group. Doctors in the experimental group (n=30) also reported enhanced distraction, smoother venipuncture, and improved efficiency, with a mean satisfaction score of 5.2. The findings suggested nurse led animated cartoon distraction reduced pain, improved cooperation, and enhanced procedural efficiency in paediatric venipuncture. Given its feasibility and positive outcomes, this intervention is recommended as a supportive strategy to optimize paediatric patient experience in venipuncture.
