Distraction Items for Medical Procedures

Pain and the power of distraction have been studied for years and with good reason. Pain isn’t something we look forward to, nor do we ever want to see those we love and care about in pain. As child life specialists, one of our jobs is to prepare families and patients for procedures; and yes, sometimes they may be painful.

So, how can we help children during some of these medical procedures and uncomfortable experiences? We can offer an alternative focus and provide opportunities for children to shift their attention from the pain by giving them something else to focus on.

In 2012, Current Biology News Release conducted a study that found that mental distractions block pain signals from the body before they ever reach the brain! This research demonstrates how powerful distraction can be. Since child life specialists always need to be prepared with many different distraction tools, this green large caddy is a great way to keep those organized and ready to use.

So, what does distraction during a procedure look like?

Distraction is providing a positive alternative focus to help children cope with painful medical experiences. Providing choices for coping and distraction contributes to a sense of control in an unfamiliar environment.

What are some different types of distractions?

Distraction techniques should be based on the individual child and their unique needs. There are many

ways to distract children, including talking, playing, counting, coaching, and guided imagery.

Here are a few of my favorite distraction items that I always keep in my caddy:

1. Distraction boards. These are a fantastic way to get children to focus away from the pain and toward the picture.
2. Bubbles. Bubbles not only help distract away from a procedure, they can also be used to help a child breathe through pain that may already be established.
3. Find-It Games. The Find-It Game is a unique and easy way to distract a child using an engaging game of search.
4. Rainbow Beads Squeeze Balls and the Stress Toy Value Pack. These distraction tools can be used in imaginative games and more—the sky’s the limit!

Whatever you decide to fill your caddy with, just remember how powerful distraction can be, and being prepared with options to individualize those interventions is important for every child life specialist.