Effect of distraction on children's pain during intravenous catheter insertion

PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of pressing a soft ball during intravenous catheter insertion (IVCI) on the intensity of pain in children ages 4-6 years. DESIGN AND METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, children in the intervention group were asked to press a soft ball with the opposite hand during IVCI and to immediately mark the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the intensity of pain between the control group (n = 30) and the intervention group (n = 30; p =.012). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pressing a soft ball during IVCI may be an easily accessed, inexpensive, and effective technique to control or reduce pain in young children.