Author:
Whitney Glyn Lutz
Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School of The University of Texas at Arlington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT
ARLINGTON
May 1997
Whitney Lutz, RNC, BSN, 6924 Rolling Creek Lane, Dallas, TX
75236
FAX: (972) 296-3004
e-mail: Whitney1@juno.com
ABSTRACT
Nonpharmacological pain reduction strategies, such as music distraction, are currently being researched in pediatric populations with favorable results, but the majority of studies done are of children with chronic illnesses such as cancer or cardiac disease. Several studies with well child populations have demonstrated significant results of decreased pain and anxiety using music distraction during immunizations and venipunctures. Unfortunately, no empirical data could be found which supported it's use during children's laceration repairs. Theoretically, the effect of music distraction resides in the child's ability to selectively divert attention away from an unpleasant experience pain) by diminishing cognitive processing of the event, in favor of a more preferred stimulus (music). This, in turn, decreases affective interpretation (fear) of the event. The purpose of this study was to determine if music distraction significantly reduced 6-12 yr. old children's pain, fear, and behavioral distress during a laceration repair in an emergency room.
Thirty-two children from 6 - 12 years old participated in this two group, pre-test/post-test, repeated measures study. Pre-pain (Wong-Baker FACES pain scale), pre-fear (fear analog), and behavioral distress (CHEOPS) measures were collected. The experimental group listened to cassette music of their choice during their laceration repair while the control group received the routine standard of care. Behavioral distress was measured at four designated intervals during the suturing processes. Post-test measures included self-reported pain and fear.
The experimental group reported significantly lower post pain (p < .001) and post-fear (p = .001) than the control group. Behavioral distress showed very little variability between the two groups and was not significantly different. Music distraction is easy to administer, takes no special training and is an inexpensive adjunct to pain management. Further research is indicated for generalization of these findings to other patient populations and settings.
March 15, 2002
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