Computer tablet distraction reduces pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients undergoing hydrotherapy: A randomized trial.
BACKGROUND
Distraction is often used in conjunction with analgesics to minimize pain in pediatric burn patients during treatment procedures. Computer tablets provide many options for distraction items in one tool and are often used during medical procedures. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of tablet distraction in improving the care of pediatric burn patients.


OBJECTIVE
This study examines the effectiveness of tablet distraction provided by a child life specialist to minimize pain and anxiety in pediatric burn patients undergoing hydrotherapy.


METHODS
Thirty pediatric patients (4-12) undergoing hydrotherapy for the treatment of burns participated in this randomized clinical trial. The tablet distraction group received tablet distraction provided by a child life specialist while those in the control group received standard care. Pain was assessed through self-reports and observation reports. Anxiety was assessed through behavioral observations. Length of procedure was also recorded.


RESULTS
Nurses reported significantly less pain for the tablet distraction group compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between groups on self-reported pain. The tablet distraction group displayed significantly less anxiety during the procedure compared to the control group. Also, the tablet distraction group returned to baseline after the procedure while those in the control group displayed higher anxiety post-procedure. There was no difference in the length of the procedure between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest tablet distraction provided by a child life specialist may be an effective method for improving pain and anxiety in children undergoing hydrotherapy treatment for burns.
The University of Alabama, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Alabama, Box 870160, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, United States. Electronic address: sburns@ches.ua.edu.
Sherwood
S
Burns-Nader
Children's of Alabama, Family Services, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States. Electronic address: Lindsay.joe@childrensal.org.
Lindsay
L
Joe
Children's of Alabama, Children's South, 1940 Elmer J Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243, United States. Electronic address: Kelly.pinion@childrensal.org.
Kelly
K
Pinion
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D002056:Burns / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006875:Hydrotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009020:Morphine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D000073818:Procedural Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D009020:Morphine; D008874:Midazolam
Burns; Distraction; Hydrotherapy; Pain; Pediatrics; Tablet