Coping with Pain
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In order to create non-painful stimulations to counteract painful stimulations, healthcare providers can provide non-pharmacological distractions and activities. Since most sensory, cognitive, and emotional activities open have the ability to close the neurological gates to the brain, most of the activities before are based on these concepts. Patients should have the ability to choose what they want to distract them. When a patient isn't constantly thinking of pain, he/she has the ability to block out that pain.
Sensory Activities
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Positioning
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Cutaneous stimulation
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Nonnutritive sucking
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Pressure
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Cognitive Activities
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Psychologic preparation
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Educational activities (drawing, coloring, painting, reading)
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Video games, watching tv/movies, using phone, playing games and going through apps
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Music and singing
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Guided imagery
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Training and coaching
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Positive coping statements
Emotion Based Activities
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Positive talk
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Coping
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Supportive system
Activity Guide
Sensory Activities
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Positioning - position child to a comfortable position to promote sense of control
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Cutaneous Stimulation - activities like rubbing on area of pain
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Nonnutritive sucking - used for newborns; a pacifier can be used as an analgesic
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Pressure - massages are useful to reduce pain
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Hot/Cold Treatments - can use hot packs/water bottles, electric heating pads, cold compress, ice packs, cold gel packs, towels soaked in ice water
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Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulations - use of electrical stimulation to the skin
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Cognitive Activities
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Music Therapy - play patient's preferred music to provide positivity and to distress patients
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Guided Imagery - use of imagination to divert thoughts from the procedure to a more pleasant experience
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Training and Coaching - healthcare providers can talk patients out from thinking about pain
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Games - provided different board games, puzzles, video games, and games on electronic devices
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Emotion Based Activities
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Positive Talk - healthcare providers should teach patients to stay positive
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Coping - healthcare providers should teach patients how to cope with their pain in an effective way
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Supportive System - it is important for patients to know who they have by their side and that they are not alone so they are happy and more positive
Distractions
Two Types of Distractions:
Distractions are a form of intervention that is often used to guide attention away from painful stimuli. It is most effective when adapted to the patient's developmental and cognitive level and when pain is mild to moderate. Distractions are helpful because it does not require advanced training for providers. In addition, distractions work with all developmental levels and it can help parents and caregivers during stressful times. The two forms of distraction are active and passive distraction. Active distraction is when patients are encouraged to participate in activities during procedures. Common examples of active distraction include blowing bubbles, playing a game, and interacting with an electronic device. Passive distraction is when attention is redirected to a stimulus. Most of the type of passive distraction is done by a healthcare worker or by the help of a parent. Examples of passive distractions include showing a toy, storytelling, and singing.
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The ABC's of Distraction
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A - Assorted visuals
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B - Breathing techniques
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C - Comfort Positions
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D - Diversional Talk, give
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E - Encouragement and Praise
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Distraction Cart
Above is a sketch of my distraction cart design. Similar to a crash cart full of medicine, vaccines, and medical supplies, the distraction cart is designed to hold activities that can distract children. The cart will hold all the tools doctors can use to distract and entertain patients. For instance, it would have video games, hot and cold therapy devices, books, instruments, and even snacks.