The Efficacy of Distraction Cards and Kaleidoscope for Reducing Pain During Phlebotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of distraction cards and a kaleidoscope in reducing pain during phlebotomy procedures among children aged 6 to 12. Design: This randomized controlled study involved intervention groups and a control group. Methods: Data were obtained by the use of an information form and the visual analog scale. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics as well as Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and post hoc tests. Findings: During the phlebotomy, children in the control group experienced more pain than children in the distraction cards group and kaleidoscope group (P <.001). There was no significant difference between pain scores of the two intervention groups (P >.05). Both methods were found to be effective in reducing pain. Conclusions: It may be helpful to inform children and parents about the process before procedural interventions. Nurses would likely benefit from education on the use of distraction cards and kaleidoscope to be used during procedural interventions. (C) 2020 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Published by Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved.