Active vs Passive Distraction on Procedural Pain in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Impact of Active vs Passive Distraction on Procedural Pain/Distress in the Pediatric Emergency

The investigators proposed study will investigate the efficacy of tablet computer distraction as an analgesic for the pain associated with various painful procedures in the emergency department. Since prior studies have shown that distraction by a parent or nurse can be an effective analgesic, there is reason to believe that tablet computer distraction will similarly reduce pain. Participants in the control group will receive a cartoon on the TV monitor in the patient room, while participants in the study group will receive a more immersive distraction of playing a game or watching a cartoon (for children too young to play a game) on a tablet computer. Data from this study will help inform best practices for administering painful procedures in a way that minimizes pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

Healthy pediatric patients in the University of Chicago emergency department who are undergoing insertion of a peripheral intravenous line, intramuscular injection, fingerstick, subcutaneous injection, laceration repair (sutures, tissue adhesive, and staples), nail avulsion, or abscess incision and drainage.

Exclusion Criteria:

Non-English speaking, over the age of 18 trauma, have come in for asthma-related complaints, are being resuscitated, are neurosurgical/neurology/seizure patients, or patients in whom use of distraction would interfere with the procedure