The Effect of Hologram Fan and Bubble Machine Use on Pain and Fear During Intravenous Blood Collection in Children

Pediatric clinics often subject infants and children to painful medical procedures. These interventions include blood collection, intramuscular and intravenous injections, which can induce pain and fear in children. The experience of pain during medical procedures has long-term effects and can shape a person's approach to healthcare in the future. While evidence-based practices exist to address interventional pain in the pediatric population, they may not always be sufficient in practice. As technology advances, there is growing interest in innovative methods to reduce pain, alongside commercially available products.

Distraction techniques have been proven effective in reducing acute pain in children during needle interventions. Distraction aims to redirect the child's attention to another stimulus, based on the understanding that the brain has limited capacity to focus on pain. Nurses and healthcare workers play a crucial role in alleviating children's fear of medical procedures, as they are often the first point of contact and provide ongoing care.

In addition to traditional methods such as watching cartoons, inflating balloons, and playing music, innovative techniques have emerged. One such method is the use of bubble machines, which produce bubbles using blowing and spraying systems. Studies have shown that bubble blowing can effectively reduce pain intensity during phlebotomy in children aged 3-6 years. Other studies have recommended using bubble blowing alongside devices like Buzzy to reduce pain severity during phlebotomy and intramuscular injections.

Considering the current pandemic situation, the use of bubble machines has gained attention as a potentially more effective distraction method than balloon blowing, as it reduces the risk of infection and provides a greater number of bubbles in the environment. Moreover, hologram technology has gained popularity in our daily lives. Holography refers to three-dimensional projections that can be seen without special equipment. It has the potential to revolutionize medicine by providing realistic and immersive experiences. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the application of hologram technology in reducing pain during medical procedures, particularly in the nursing literature. It is believed that this technology can effectively distract children during painful interventions.

Technological advancements, including hologram technology, have the potential to significantly impact the healthcare sector. By utilizing such applications, especially for diversion and comfort in pediatric pain management, healthcare professionals can improve the overall experience of children. The use of technology can also enhance efficiency and service quality in healthcare, benefiting patients of all age groups.