The use of the buzzy, jet lidokaine, bubble-blowing and aromatherapy for reducing pediatric pain, stress and fear associated with phlebotomy

kucuk alemdar, dilek/0000-0002-7275-0666PubMed: 30711327Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Buzzy, Jet lidokaine, bubble-blowing and inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essence on pain, stress and fear in children undergoing phlebotomy. Designs and methods: This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The sample was comprised of children aged 5 to 10 years requiring blood tests. Children were assigned to five subgroups through randomization performed using a computer program: the Buzzy group (n = 39), Jet lidokaine group (n = 39), bubble-blowing group (n = 39), inhalation aromatherapy with lavender essence group (n = 39) and control group (n = 39). The children's levels of pain were evaluated and reported by the parents, observers and the children, who self-reported using the Oucher Pain Scale. The children's fear levels were assessed using the Children's Fear Scale, and salivary cortisol analysis was conducted to evaluate stress levels. Results: A significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups in terms of levels of pain during and after phlebotomy in favor of the Buzzy group (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between the fear scores of the children in the intervention and control groups before phlebotomy (p < 0.05). This difference was found to be caused by the bubble-blowing method. There was a significant difference between intervention and control groups fear levels in favor of the Buzzy group during phlebotomy (p < 0.05). Practice implications: It is recommended that the Buzzy and bubble-blowing be used during phlebotomy in children to reduce the severity of their pain. (C) 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Scientific Research Projects Unit of Giresun University/Turkey [SAG-BAP-A-140316-88]The research was financed by the Scientific Research Projects Unit of Giresun University/Turkey (SAG-BAP-A-140316-88). The content has not been published or submitted for publication elsewhere. The study was presented as orally at the 1st International and 5th National Sivas Midwifery Congress on April 23-25, 2018 in Sivas, Turkey, where it received the "Award for the Best Oral Presentation". The authors thank the children and parents who agreed to participate in this study for their efforts and contribution