Burgess Stephanie, Nativio Donna G, Penrose Joyce E
University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA.
J Pediatr Nurs. 2015 Mar-Apr;30(2):294-300. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2014.09.002. Epub 2014 Sep 16.
This quality improvement project implemented an evidence-based immunization protocol aimed at decreasing pain and distress associated with immunizations for children ages 4 to 6 by utilizing distraction and a benzocaine-based anesthetic spray. The original protocol is used at a large, university-based pediatric primary care hospital. A convenience sample of 30 children from a community-based healthcare center was utilized to assess effectiveness in alternate settings. This quasi-experimental project collected survey information from child participants and consenting caregivers. Statistical analysis by paired t-test indicated a statistically significant decrease in reported distress by both the child and the caregiver utilizing the immunization protocol.
