Noninvasive Vibratory Stimulation on Pediatric Pain Scores during Intravenous Cannulation in a Selected Hospital in the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND

Pediatric patients often experience significant distress and discomfort during intravenous (IV) cannulation. The noninvasive vibratory buzzy device, which utilizes vibration technology, has emerged as a potential solution for mitigating procedural pain in children. However, its application and effectiveness have not been investigated in the United Arab Emirates.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This quasi-experimental study was conducted among children (aged between two and six years) on admission. The children were selected consecutively and assigned to either the intervention group (IVG) or control group (CG). The IVG (n = 5) had the buzzy vibration applied proximal to the IV insertion site along with routine care, while the CG participants (n = 51) received only routine care. Pain level was assessed using the face, legs, activity, cry, and consolability (FLACC) scale before and during IV catheter insertion.

RESULTS

Results showed that 31 (62%) of children in the IV group were between four and six years old. The pre-intervention FLACC scores in the IVG indicated moderate pain in 21 (41%), mild pain in 20 (39%), and severe pain in 9 (18%). During the intervention, the IVG experienced mild-to-no pain, whereas the CG reported mild-to-moderate pain. A significant negative correlation between pain score and age was observed in the CG (r = -0.2, P = 0.037), indicating higher pain scores in younger children.

CONCLUSIONS

Vibratory stimulation using a noninvasive buzzy device effectively reduced procedural pain during cannulation.