Active and Passive Distraction Interventions in a Pediatric Emergency Department to Reduce the Pain and Anxiety During Venous Blood Sampling: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IntroductionDistraction is a method that is easy to use in emergency departments and effective in relieving procedural pain and anxiety. This study aimed to determine the effect of 2 new distraction methods—1 active distraction (rotatable wooden toy) and 1 passive distraction (toy wristband)—on procedural pain, fear, and anxiety in children during venous blood sampling.MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled experimental study. The sample consisted of 216 children aged 6 years to 12 years. They were divided into 3 groups using the block randomization procedure: active distraction group (n = 72); passive distraction group (n = 72); and control group (n = 72). The levels of pain and anxiety in the children were measured before and during the blood sampling by the children themselves, their parents, and the researcher using the Visual Analog Scale, the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, and the Children’s Fear Scale.ResultsThe children and their parents included in the control and experimental groups had similar sociodemographic characteristics. The active distraction group had lower levels of procedural pain, fear, and anxiety than the other groups (children’s visual analog scale score, F = 134.22; P < 0.05; Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale score, F = 137.54; P < 0.001; and Children’s Fear Scale score, F = 92.44; P < 0.001).DiscussionBoth the toy wristband and rotatable wooden toy interventions can be used to reduce procedural pain, fear, and anxiety in children during blood sampling in emergency departments.     

The Effect of Music-Moving Toys to Reduce Fear and Anxiety in Preschool Children Undergoing Intravenous Insertion in a Pediatric Emergency Department: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IntroductionIntravenous catheter insertion is a highly invasive medical procedure that causes fear and anxiety in children. This study aimed to analyze the effect of a toy (with music and movement) distraction method on fear and anxiety in children aged 4 to 6 years.MethodsThis experimental, randomized clinical trial used parallel trial design guided by the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist. Using simple randomization, eligible children (age 4-6; N = 60) were assigned to the intervention group (n = 30), who received the toy distraction method, or to the control group (n = 30), who received standard care. The Children’s Fear Scale was used to evaluate the fear levels, and Children’s State Anxiety Scale was used to evaluate anxiety levels. Physiological parameters (pulse, oxygen saturation) and crying time were monitored by the researcher as indicators of fear and anxiety. The chi-square test, repeated measures analysis of variance, Friedman test, t test, the Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, and the intraclass correlation test were used for data analysis.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in terms of fear and anxiety scores, physiological parameters, and crying time during the procedure between the children in the intervention and control group.DiscussionWe found that this method of toy distraction was not effective in reducing fear or anxiety during the intravenous catheter insertion procedure. Accordingly, we recommend that this distraction method be performed in different age groups and with larger samples in various painful and stressful practices in the future and that comparison be made with various distraction methods.     

The Effect of Classical Turkish Music on Pain Severity and Anxiety Levels in Patients Undergoing Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy

BackgroundBone marrow aspiration is a painful procedure. In addition, the anxiety experienced during the procedure can affect the pain felt during the procedure. This study was conducted as a randomized controlled study to determine the effect of classical Turkish music on pain severity and anxiety levels in patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.Materials and MethodsThe study was performed in an oncology hospital with a total of 30 patients, of whom 14 were in the intervention group and 16 were in the control group. All underwent bone marrow aspiration and biopsy for the first time. Ethics committee approval, institutional permission, and the study participants’ written informed consent were obtained. Data were collected using patient information forms and follow-up charts, the Visual Analog Scale, and the State Anxiety Inventory. It was determined that the scores gathered from the State Anxiety Inventory during the first follow-up increased in the second follow-up in both the intervention and control groups, and this increase was statistically significant in the intervention group (p < .05). The mean pain severity scores of the patients undergoing the procedure were significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (p < .05).Conclusion and SuggestionsThis study found that classical Turkish music reduced the severity of pain but increased the levels of anxiety in patients undergoing bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.     

Efficacy of Cartoon Viewing Devices During Phlebotomy in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of different cartoon viewing devices during phlebotomy in children.DesignThis study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial.MethodsThe study included inpatients from the Biochemical Laboratory of a private university hospital in Turkey and was conducted between September 2017 and April 2018. A computer-based random number generator was used to randomly assign the patients into three groups (virtual reality [VR], tablet, and control) with 40 children each. Data were collected using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and the Children's Fear Scale. Pain and anxiety scores were reported by children, parents, and observers in tablet and control groups. In the VR group, pain and anxiety were determined only by children's reports.FindingsAccording to the children reports, the VR group reported significantly less pain and anxiety than those in the tablet and control groups (P < .05).ConclusionsThe cartoon distraction performed using a VR device reduced the perception of pain and anxiety during phlebotomy in school-age children.     

The Effect of Virtual Reality and Kaleidoscope on Pain and Anxiety Levels During Venipuncture in Children

PurposeThe study aimed to determine the effect of two different distractions on pain perceptions and anxiety during venipuncture in children.DesignA randomized controlled study.MethodsA total of 139 children aged between 4 and 10 years were included in the study: 46 of them in virtual reality goggle group and 43 in the control group. An information form, the Children’s Anxiety Scale, Visual Analogue Scale, and Wong-Baker Faces Pain Scale were used in the collection of data.FindingsPain and anxiety scores were significantly lower in the virtual reality goggle and kaleidoscope group than in the control group (P < .000).ConclusionsThe use of virtual reality goggle and kaleidoscope methods during venipuncture are effective in reducing children’s perception of pain and anxiety. The most effective method of reducing perception of pain and anxiety is using the virtual reality goggle.     

Effects of Nonpharmacologic Distraction Methods on Children's Postoperative Pain—A Nonmatched Case-Control Study

PurposeTo investigate whether nonpharmacologic distraction as a supplement to conventional pain management can reduce children's assessment of pain in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and if parental assessment is a reliable proxy in assessing children's postoperative pain.DesignA nonmatched case-control study.MethodsThe sample included 241 children aged 2 to 7 years assigned to one of five intervention groups or a control group. Children's and parents' assessments of pain were registered on arrival to PACU and repeated after 15, 30, and 45 minutes using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale.FindingsPositive effects of interventions were found in both children's and parental assessments. Results indicate a positive correlation between children's and parental assessments in children older than 3 years (P < .001).ConclusionsNonpharmacologic distraction is recommended as a supplement to conventional postoperative pain management. Parental assessment is a reliable proxy in assessing postoperative pain in children younger than 5 years.     

The Effect of Using Virtual Reality During Breast Biopsy on Pain and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeVirtual reality (VR) is a nonpharmacological method used in healthcare settings. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of distraction through VR on pain and anxiety during fine needle aspiration (FNA) breast biopsy.DesignThis was a randomized controlled trial.MethodsA total of 60 Turkish females undergoing FNA breast biopsies were randomly divided into two groups. The patients in the experimental group (n = 30) viewed a specific scenario using VR from one minute before the procedure to the end of the procedure. The patients in the control group (n = 30) were subject to a standard protocol in which no anesthetic was given during the procedure. Immediately after the implementation of the FNA breast biopsy, the pain scores of all patients in groups were measured with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and their anxiety levels were assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory.FindingsA statistically significant difference was determined between the post-procedure mean pain scores and average state anxiety scores of the patients in the experimental and control groups (P < .001).ConclusionsThe use of VR during FNA breast biopsy is effective in reducing pain and anxiety in adult female patients.     

Can virtual reality reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric emergency care and promote positive response of parents of children? A quasi-experimental study

AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality to reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients during venipuncture procedure in emergency care and the behavioral response of their parents/companions.BackgroundVirtual reality is being used as a source of distraction in children undergoing invasive procedures.MethodsQuasi-experimental study with 458 children (from 2 to 15 years) who attended a pediatric emergency service from September 2019 to April 2021. An intervention based on virtual reality as a distraction method during venipuncture procedure was applied. The level of pain and anxiety of children and attitude of parents/companions were assessed. Ordinal and binary logistic regressions were applied.ResultsA protective effect of using virtual reality was observed in the intervention group both for the absence of pain (−4.12; 95 % CI: −4.85 to −3.40) and anxiety (−1.71; 95 % CI: −2.24 to −1.17) in children aged between 2 and 15 years. A significant reduction in the blocking response of the accompanying parents (−2.37; 95 % CI: −3.017 to −1.723) was also observed.ConclusionsVR is effective in reducing pain and anxiety in children during venipuncture in emergency care. A positive attitude of the parents during the invasive procedure to their children was found.     

The Impact of a Music Video on Procedural Pain and State Anxiety

PurposePatients with chronic pain and/or spasticity who have an intrathecal targeted drug delivery (TDD) pump require frequent needle access procedures to refill the pump's medication reservoir. Some patients find the access procedure painful and/or anxiety provoking. The purpose of this study was to determine if a nursing intervention of providing a distraction with a music relaxation video during the pump access procedure would reduce patients’ pain and state anxiety.Design/MethodsIn this longitudinal, pre-test post-test, quasi-experimental design, patients watched a 13-minute calming music video while the nurse performed the needle access procedure. Data collection instruments included a combination of researcher-developed questionnaires, the Defense & Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS), and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Pain and anxiety were measured pre- and post-pump refill procedures at baseline with no intervention (T1) and at two subsequent pump refills with the music video intervention (T2 and T3).ResultsThe sample consisted of 31 adults with chronic pain (n = 28) or spasticity (n = 3). All participants had an implanted pump for at least six months. Specialty trained nurses refilled the participants’ pump in their home. The findings support the use of a music video as an effective intervention for reducing participants’ perception of pain and anxiety during the pump refill procedure. Neither pre-test pain nor pre-test anxiety scores differed across time. Post-test mean pain scores decreased consistently across time (T1 = 5.55, T2 = 4.42, T3 = 4.23; P = .002). Post-test anxiety scores showed a significant decrease (P <.05) between T1 (M = 37.87) and T2 (M = 30.94) which was not sustained at T3 (M = 35.68, P = .284). Overall, the majority of participants indicated liking the music video intervention. They also expressed interest in using the intervention for future refill procedures or other stressful situations.ConclusionsThe music video was effective in producing a sustained reduction over time of participants’ pain during the pump refill procedures; it was most effective in initially reducing participants’ state anxiety at the initial intervention visit; however, it did not demonstrate a progressively sustained effect. Participants’ opinions about the music video experience were positive.     

Anxiety and Pain in Children Undergoing Surgery: A Scoping Review

PurposeAnxiety and pain are experienced by most children undergoing surgical procedures. Untreated anxiety delays postoperative recovery and also increases the risk of complications. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the relationship between perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain among children.DesignA scoping reviewMethodsA comprehensive literature search was done on the following databases: PubMed-MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), CINAHL (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature), ProQuest, and Cochrane library to identify the original research studies published in English between January 01, 2000 to March 31, 2021. Two authors independently screened the studies based on pre-specified criteria. The results of the search are described narratively.FindingsA total of eleven studies were included in this review from 1,180 studies initially retrieved. Most of the studies revealed that children who had higher levels of perioperative anxiety experienced higher levels of postoperative pain.ConclusionsThis review identified that perioperative anxiety has a significant effect on postoperative pain among children. The review results indicate the need to develop age-appropriate interventions to reduce perioperative anxiety and postoperative pain among children to reduce further postoperative complications.     

Effects of Nursing Care Using Binaural Beat Music on Anxiety,Pain, and Vital Signs in Surgery Patients

PurposeThis study investigated the effects of binaural beat music on anxiety, pain, and vital signs in Korean surgical patients.DesignThis study used a non-equivalent control group pre-and post-test design.MethodsThis study included 54 patients who underwent spinal nerve plastic surgery under local anesthesia. The experimental group listened to binaural beat music twice, using headphones (20 minutes before surgery and 30 minutes after surgery). We measured the participants’ pain and anxiety levels using a visual analog scale for pain and anxiety. In addition, we checked the participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate using a blood pressure monitor.FindingsThe experimental group displayed significantly lower anxiety and pain scores than the control group after the intervention. Meanwhile, systolic and diastolic blood pressure did not show any statistically significant differences between the groups. However, the experimental group had a significantly lower pulse rate than the control group.ConclusionOur research findings showed that using binaural beat music in the nursing care of surgical patients under local anesthesia can effectively reduce postoperative pain and anxiety, contributing to improved mental health and physical well-being after surgery.     

Music improves sleep quality in students

Title. Music improves sleep quality in students. Aim. This paper is a report of a study to investigate the effects of music on sleep quality in young participants with poor sleep. Background. Sleep disorders may result in fatigue, tiredness, depression and problems in daytime functioning. Music can reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, decrease anxiety, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate and may have positive effects on sleep via muscle relaxation and distraction from thoughts. Control groups have not been used in most previous studies. Methods. We used a three‐group repeated measures design. Ninety‐four students (aged between 19 and 28 years) with sleep complaints were studied in 2006. Participants listened for 45 minutes either to relaxing classical music (Group 1) or an audiobook (Group 2) at bedtime for 3 weeks. The control group (Group 3) received no intervention. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index before the study and weekly during the intervention. Depressive symptoms in experimental group participants were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory. Results. Repeated measures anova revealed a main effect of TIME (P < 0·0001) and an interaction between TIME and GROUPS (P < 0·0001). Post hoc tests with Bonferroni correction showed that music statistically significantly improved sleep quality (P < 0·0001). Sleep quality did not improve statistically significantly in the audiobook and the control group. Depressive symptoms decreased statistically significantly in the music group (P < 0·0001), but not in the group listening to audiobooks. Conclusion. Relaxing classical music is an effective intervention in reducing sleeping problems. Nurses could use this safe, cheap and easy to learn method to treat insomnia.     

The Effects of Music Therapy on Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Before the Invasive Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Study

PurposeThis study was designed to investigate the effects of music therapy provided to patients who would undergo Coronary Angiography before the invasive procedure on pain, anxiety, and vital signs to reduce the administration of sedatives and to ask the views of the patients regarding the music to which they listened.DesignThis study was a randomized controlled study.MethodsThe research sample included 62 patients; 31 in the experimental group and 31 in the control group, who were waiting for having femoral angiography in the waiting room of the invasive procedure and diagnostic laboratory of a training and research hospital in Izmir. Data were collected using “Patient Information Form”, “Vital Signs Inspection Form”, “State-Trait Anxiety Inventory”, and “Visual Analog Scale”. The experimental group listened to nonverbal and instrumental music in the forms of taqsim, saz semai, and peshrev at the speeds of 60 (Adagio) and 100 (Andante). Nihavend mode is the most used mode in music therapy and is suitable for the Turkish Cultural structure. The scale of nihavend mode has the same structure with the g minor scale of classical western music. For both groups, pain and anxiety levels were simultaneously measured before and after the process; vital signs were measured before, during, and after the process.FindingsThe findings obtained in this study showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the means of anxiety (P = .000) and pain (P = .001) of the patients in experimental and control groups after the procedure. A significant difference was determined between the means before and after the procedure for diastolic (P = .002) blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (P = .002) in vital signs. A significant difference was not determined between the mean of patients’ systolic blood pressures (P = .082) and respiration rates (P = .836) before and after the procedure.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that music therapy is effective in reducing blood pressure, respiration rate, anxiety, pain level, and sedative application for the patients. Music therapy within the scope of the nonpharmacological complementary therapies can be administered by the healthcare providers, given that the patients have no adverse effects or additional costs and thanks to ease of implementation.     

Distracting children during blood draw: looking through distraction cards is effective in pain relief of children during blood draw

Inal S, Kelleci M. International Journal of Nursing Practice 2012; 18 : 210–219 Distracting children during blood draw: Looking through distraction cards is effective in pain relief of children during blood draw This study aims to investigate the effects of distraction method by way of looking through distraction cards/Flippits® to reduce procedural pain and anxiety during blood draw. In this method we distract attention of the children with distraction cards/Flippits®. Flippits® consist of various eye‐catching pictures and shapes. Then we asked the children questions about the cards during the blood draw procedure that he or she can only answer if he or she examines the cards carefully. This study is a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The sample consisted of 123 children of ages between 6 and 12. We randomly assigned subjects into two groups. Group 1 received no intervention, whereas Group 2 received distraction in the form of looking through distraction cards/Flippits®. Pre‐procedural and procedural anxiety was assessed using the anxiety scale from the Children's Anxiety and Pain Scales by parents' and observer's report. Procedural pain was assessed using Faces Pain Scale‐Revised by children, parent and observer reports. Results show that pre‐procedural anxiety did not differ significantly. However, the experimental group had significantly lower pain levels than the control group during the blood draw procedure. Also experimental group had significantly lower anxiety levels than the control group.     

The Effect of Virtual Reality Distraction Intervention on Pain,Anxiety, and Vital Signs of Oncology Patients Undergoing Port Catheter Implantation: A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundAlthough the port catheters have many beneficial effects on the patient's quality of life, it was reported in the literature that patients experience pain in the incision area after the implantation or anxiety before, during or, after the implantation.Distraction is a simple and effective method in the management of pain and anxiety.AimsTo determine the effect of virtual reality (VR) distraction intervention on pain, anxiety, and vital signs of oncology patients undergoing port catheter implantation.DesignRandomized controlled studyMethodsThe study was carried out with 139 participants (69 intervention, 70 control) between September 2019 and January 2020. Data were collected before, during, and after the implantation by using a patient identification form, State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), a table for vital signs, and a visual analog scale for pain severity. In the intervention group, a virtual reality device, movies, and relaxing music were provided and patients were instructed to use it during the implantation and when they felt pain after the implantation. There wasn't any blinding for patients or researchers throughout the study.ResultsThere was an increase in pain scores of both groups after the implantation; however, pain scores in the intervention group were lower and there was a statistically significant difference between the groups after the implantation. In the intervention group, there was a decrease in anxiety, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, and an increase in SpO2. VR use has a great effect on pain scores (Cohen's d = 3.023) and a great effect on SAI scores (Cohen's d = 8.770).ConclusionsVR distraction intervention was found an effective way to reduce pain, anxiety, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate and increase the SpO2 of the patients undergoing port catheter implantation.     

The effect of music on delirium,pain, sedation and anxiety in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit

ObjectivesTo examine the effects of music for patients under mechanical ventilation support in the intensive care unit on their delirium, pain, sedation, and anxiety.Research methodology/designA single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.SettingThe study was conducted with delirium positive patients between August 2020 and September 2021 in the medical/surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital in Turkey.MethodsThe study sample was selected through a simple and stratified randomization method; patients who met the inclusion criteria were assigned to the music, noise reduction or control group. The data were collected by using a Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU), CAM-ICU-7, Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT), Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), Facial Anxiety Scale (FAS), PRE-DELIRIC model, and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). The interventions were repeated twice a day for five days.ResultsA total of 36 patients were included, with 12 patients in each group. Significant decreases were found in the severity of delirium and pain and the level of sedation and anxiety in the music compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The number of patients with delirium and the number of days with mechanical ventilation was found to be significantly lower in the music group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionMusic intervention may be used as a nursing intervention to control delirium, pain, need for sedation and anxiety in intensive care unit patients. However, additional studies with larger sample is needed to validate findings.     

A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effectiveness of Educating Parents about Distraction to Decrease Postoperative Pain in Children at Home after Tonsillectomy

Today, parents are more involved with postoperative pain management, because children are discharged as early as possible after surgery. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine the effectiveness of educating parents to provide distraction in addition to pharmacologic pain management in decreasing postoperative pain at home for children ages 3 to 7 years. Ninety-three children aged 3–7 years having tonsillectomy at Landspitali, The National University Hospital of Iceland, and their parents were randomized to one of two intervention groups. The interventions were pharmacologic pain management education (control group) and pharmacologic pain management education with distraction (experimental group). Pain was measured by parent’s report of pain behavior during the evening on postoperative days 1 and 2 and child's report of pain intensity on eight time points on postoperative days 1 and 2. Sixty-nine children had complete data. The results from RM-ANCOVA showed that when adjusting for pain intensity in the morning on postoperative day 1 that educating parents about distraction in addition to educating them about pain medication management decreases mean pain behavior scores (p < .001). There was no difference in pain intensity between the groups using RM-ANCOVA. However, there was association between pain intensity in the morning on postoperative day 1 and follow-up pain intensity (p < .001). The results from this study support the importance of educating parents of children having tonsillectomy about distraction in addition to educating them about pain medication management.     

The Effect of Virtual Reality and Buzzy on First Insertion Success,Procedure-Related Fear,Anxiety, and Pain in Children during Intravenous Insertion in the Pediatric Emergency Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial

IntroductionDistraction methods such as virtual reality and cold vibration device are recommended during intravenous interventions. Few studies have focused on the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on intravenous insertion success.MethodsA randomized controlled study evaluated effect of virtual reality and cold vibration device application on first-attempt intravenous insertion success and procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety during intravenous insertion in children. Children aged 4 to 10 years (N = 150) undergoing peripheral intravenous catheterization insertion in the pediatric emergency department were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: virtual reality, cold vibration (Buzzy), and control group. Distraction technique of talking and asking questions of children was used in control group. Primary outcome was first-attempt intravenous insertion success; secondary outcomes were procedure-related pain, fear, and anxiety. Study data were collected using Difficult Intravenous Access score, Emotional Appearance Scale for Children, Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale, Color Analog Scale, Children's Anxiety Meter-State, and Child Fear Scale. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsThere were no significant differences in first-attempt intravenous insertion success rates (virtual reality = 47.2%, Buzzy® = 50%, control = 46.9%), preprocedural emotional appearance scores, and procedure-related pain and anxiety scores. There was no difference between groups for vital signs before, during, and at fifth minute of procedure.DiscussionVirtual reality and Buzzy may decrease procedure-related fear in children during intravenous insertion. This research has shown that pediatric emergency nurses can reduce pain and anxiety by talking to children, and simple distractions such as asking questions are as effective as more technological ones.     

Efecto de la musicoterapia sobre la ansiedad y el dolor en el paciente crítico politraumatizado

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of music therapy on anxiety and pain in critical polytraumatised patients admitted to the resuscitation unit of a tertiary level hospital in Spain.Material and methodRandomised clinical trial conducted in a tertiary level hospital, from June 2016 to May 2018. The study sample was 60 patients, 30 belonging to the intervention group (IG), and 30 to the control group (CG). The IG were given a 30-minute music session and heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. The VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) was applied for anxiety and pain before and after each session. The same measures and scales were applied in the CG who did not receive a music session. The music session comprised 3 parts: the first was standard music selected by music therapists; the second was personalised, chosen by the patient and the third was a new standard. The intervention took place in a booth with headphones.ResultsSignificant changes in anxiety levels (P < .01) were detected in the group of patients undergoing the intervention, measured with the VAS scale for anxiety, and pain levels (P < .01), measured with the VAS scale for pain. No significant differences were found in the physiological parameters of HR and BP.ConclusionThe use of music in critical polytraumatised patients reduces anxiety and pain levels, increasing the patient's well-being and improving the quality of care. Music therapy, therefore, is considered beneficial as a complementary measure in critical care units. It would be worthwhile to continue studies in this and other hospital areas.     

Do clowns attenuate pain and anxiety undergoing botulinum toxin injections in children?

ObjectiveBotulinum toxin injection (BTI) is the primary treatment for spasticity in children. Anxiety and pain are important concerns to address to attenuate the discomfort of BTI. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of medical clowns and usual distractions, both added to nitrous oxide (N₂O) and analgesic cream, on pain and anxiety during BTI sessions in children.MethodsThe primary outcome was pain evaluated by the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. Secondary criteria were pain rated on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) by the child and parent, anxiety rated on a VAS before and during BTIs by the child and parent(s), rating of the success of the sessions on a 4-point Likert scale by the physician and parent(s), and rating of the benefits of the distraction by the parent(s). Non-parametric tests were used for between-group comparisons.ResultsBaseline group characteristics of the clown and control groups did not differ. During 88 BTI sessions (40 with clown distraction and 48 with control distraction) in 59 children (35 boys; 52 with cerebral palsy, 12 with moderate to severe cognitive disorders), median maximal FLACC score was 2.5 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1–4) in the clown group and 3 (IQR: 1–4.3) in the control group. VAS self-reported pain score was 2.5 (IQR: 0–5) and 3 (IQR: 1–6.3) in the clown and control groups (P = 0.56), and VAS proxy-reported pain score was 2.5 (IQR: 0.3–3.4) and 3 (IQR: 1–4.5) (P = 0.25). After BTI sessions, the 2 groups did not differ in VAS self- and proxy-reported anxiety (P = 0.83 and P = 0.81). Physician and parent ratings of the success of sessions were similar between the groups (P = 0.89 and P = 0.11). Parent ratings of the perceived benefits of distraction were higher in the clown than control group (P = 0.004).ConclusionsAlthough clown distraction was particularly appreciated by parents, it did not significantly reduce pain or anxiety in children as compared with usual distraction.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03149263.