The Effectiveness of Distraction as Procedural Pain Management Technique in Pediatric Oncology Patients: A Meta-analysis and Systematic Review

Abstract

Context: Diagnostic tests and treatment regimens for pediatric cancers involve invasive and painful procedures. Effective management of such pain has been shown to be suboptimal in many parts of the world, often because of the cost and limited availability of appropriate medications. Current evidence suggests that distraction (a relatively low-cost technique) is a promising intervention for procedural pain management. There is, however, limited evidence demonstrating its effectiveness in pediatric oncology patients.

Objectives: A systematic review was conducted to ascertain the effectiveness of distraction as a procedural pain management technique in pediatric oncology patients.

Methods: Using a comprehensive search strategy, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, AMED, CINAHL, Web of Science, and EMBASE electronic databases were searched for studies comparing distraction techniques to standard care/any intervention. Using the selected studies, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted.

Results: Two hundred ninety-nine studies were identified, with seven randomized control trials identified as eligible for inclusion. Pain was assessed using self-report, observer-report, and physiological measures. A meta-analysis of four studies showed distraction as effective in reducing procedural pain, based on self-reported pain. A meta-analysis of three studies, based on pulse rates, demonstrated similar results. For observer-reported pain, limited evidence supported the effectiveness of distraction.

Conclusion: This systematic review demonstrates that distraction is a promising intervention for procedural pain. Future research should assess effectiveness of distraction in varied populations, to explore evidence of cultural influences on pain expression, measurement, and management approaches.

Keywords: Distraction; cancer; children; pediatric oncology; procedural pain.