The effect of vibrating cold application and puppet use on pain and fear during phlebotomy in children: A randomized controlled study

Background: Non-pharmacological methods are often used as a creative strategy to reduce pain and fear in children during a painful procedure such as phlebotomy.Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Bee Buzzy and puppet use on pain and fear during phlebotomy in children.Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted in the pediatric phlebotomy unit of a university hospital. The CONSORT checklist was used in this study. The sample of 3-6 years children (n = 105) was divided into groups by block randomization. Children's pain and fear scores were evaluated with the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale and Children's Fear Scale by the parents and the nurse who attempted phlebotomy during phlebotomy.Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the Bee Buzzy and puppet and Bee Buzzy and control groups in pain scores (p < .05). Pain scores were lower in the Bee Buzzy group than in the puppet and control groups. A statistical difference was found between Bee Buzzy and the control group or puppet and control group according to all fear scores (p < .05). Fear scores were lower in the Bee Buzzy and puppet group (p < .05).Conclusions: The results show that the use of Bee Buzzy during phlebotomy has a pain-relieving effect, and the use of Bee Buzzy and puppet has an anti-fear effect in 3-6-year-old children.(c) 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.