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LO49: Digital technology distraction for acute pain in children: a meta-analysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 May 2020

M. Gates
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
L. Hartling
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
J. Shulhan-Kilroy
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
T. MacGregor
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
S. Guitard
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
A. Wingert
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
R. Featherstone
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
B. Vandermeer
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
N. Poonai
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
J. Kircher
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
S. Perry
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
T. Graham
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
S. Scott
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
S. Ali
Affiliation:
University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Abstract

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Introduction: Digital distraction is being integrated into pediatric pain care, but its efficacy is currently unknown. We conducted a systematic review to determine the effect of digital technology distraction on pain and distress for children experiencing acutely painful conditions or medical procedures. Methods: We searched eight online databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, IEEE Xplore, Ei Compendex, Web of Science), grey literature sources, scanned reference lists, and contacted experts for quantitative studies where digital technologies were used as distraction for acutely painful conditions or procedures in children. Study selection was performed by two independent reviewers with consensus. One reviewer extracted relevant study data and another verified it for accuracy. Appraisal of risk of bias within studies and the certainty of the body of evidence were performed independently in duplicate, with the final appraisal determined by consensus. The primary outcomes of interest were child pain and distress. Results: Of 3247 unique records identified by the search, we included 106 studies (n = 7820) that reported on digital technology distractors (e.g., virtual reality; videogames) used during common procedures (e.g., venipuncture, minor dental procedures, burn treatments). We located no studies reporting on painful conditions. For painful procedures, digital distraction resulted in a modest but clinically important reduction in self-reported pain (SMD -0.48, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.29, 46 RCTs, n = 3200), observer-reported pain (SMD -0.68, 95% CI -0.91 to -0.45, 17 RCTs, n = 1199), behavioural pain (SMD -0.57, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.19, 19 RCTs, n = 1173), self-reported distress (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.27, 19 RCTs, n = 1818), observer-reported distress (SMD -0.47, 95% CI -0.77 to -0.17, 10 RCTs, n = 826), and behavioural distress (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.12, 17 RCTs, n = 1264) compared to usual care. Few studies directly compared different distractors or provided subgroup data to inform applicability. Conclusion: Digital distraction provides modest pain and distress reduction for children undergoing painful procedures; its superiority over non-digital distractors is not established. Healthcare providers and parents should strongly consider using distractions as a pain-reduction strategy for children and teens during common painful procedures (e.g., needle pokes, dental fillings). Context, child preference, and availability should inform the choice of distractor.

Type
Oral Presentations
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2020