Fast versus slow bandaid removal: a randomised trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether slow or fast bandaid removal is less painful.


METHODS
A prospective, randomised, crossover trial was carried out at James Cook University, Townsville. Participants were healthy volunteers from Years 2 and 3 of the James Cook University medical school program.


METHODS
Medium-sized bandaids were applied bilaterally in three standard body locations and removed using slow and fast techniques.


METHODS
Pain scores were assessed using an 11-point verbal numeric pain scale.


RESULTS
65 participants were included in the study. The overall mean pain score for fast bandaid removal was 0.92 and for slow bandaid removal was 1.58. This represents a highly significant difference of 0.66 (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In young healthy volunteers, fast bandaid removal caused less pain than slow bandaid removal.
Furyk
Jeremy S
JS
Department of Emergency Medicine, Townsville Hospital, Townsville, QLD, Australia. jeremy_furyk@health.qld.gov.au
O'Kane
Carl J
CJ
Aitken
Peter J
PJ
Banks
Colin J
CJ
Kault
David A
DA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D055815:Young Adult