The effect of guided imagery method on level of pain which 8-12 age-group children feel during venipuncture

The study was carried out randomized controlled experimental in order to determine effect of guided imagery method on level of pain, pulse and oxygen saturation values which 8-12 age-group children feel during venipuncture. Children who came to blood test room of Istanbul University Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Surgery between the dates February 2017-March 2018 formed the population of the study. 150 children who complied with sample choice criteria formed the sample of the study (experimental:75, control:75). Data of the study have been collected via Information Form, Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Children's Fear Scale (CFS), and Application Registration Form. Guided imagery method was performed by using sound recording applied to children in experimental group during venipuncture. Standard care related to venipuncture were applied to children in control group. Fear and pain levels of children were evaluated by the children, parents and the observer. Moreover, pulse and oxygen saturation values of children were measured before, during and after venipuncture. It was determined that mean pain scores of children in control group, evaluated by the children, parents and the observer, were statistically significantly higher than those of the ones in the experimental group (p<0,01). It was also found that pulse averages of children in control group before, during and after venipuncture were statistically significantly higher than those of children in experimental group (before, after practice p<0,01; during practice p<0,05). It was observed that oxygen saturation averages of experimental group during and after venipuncture were statistically significantly higher than those of control group (p<0,01). As a result of the present study, it was determined that guided imagery method was effective in decreasing pain of children during venipuncture. Key Words: Pain management, child, nursing, venipuncture, guided imagery