A qualitative study of health professionals’ views on using iPads to facilitate distraction during paediatric burn dressing changes

Abstract

Introduction:

Distraction is a non-pharmacologic pain management technique commonly used to avert a person’s attention from procedural pain and distress during stressful procedures such as treatment after a burn injury. In recent years, computer tablets (such as iPads) have been used within paediatric burns services to facilitate distraction by way of apps, games, cartoons and videos during dressing changes. However, we know very little about health professionals’ experiences of using them in this context.

Methods:

The current study explored health professionals’ experiences of using iPads to facilitate distraction during paediatric burn dressing changes. Fifteen health professionals from a single paediatric burns unit were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed two key themes: (1) the iPad is a universal panacea for distraction; and (2) trials and tribulations.

Discussion:

Participants considered iPads to be potentially useful and effective distraction tools, suitable for use with a wide range of patients with burn injuries including young children, adolescents and young adults. However, issues including health professionals’ understandings of one another’s roles, the challenge of working in a busy burns service, and lack of experience and confidence were identified as possible barriers to their use within routine burn care. Training for staff on the use of iPads as a means of facilitating distraction, development of guidelines and a review of how they are incorporated into routine burn care are recommended.

Lay Summary

Background:

Treatment for burn injuries, particularly dressing changes, can be extremely distressing for both the patient and family members who are in the room. Distraction is a technique commonly used to avert a person’s attention from pain and distress during stressful procedures. In recent years, computer tablets (such as iPads) have been used within paediatric burns services to encourage distraction through the use of ‘apps’, games, cartoons and videos during dressing changes.

The issue being explored:

This is the first study to explore health professionals’ experiences of using iPads to distract burns patients during dressing changes.

Details of how the work was conducted:

In this study, 15 health professionals were interviewed about their experiences of using iPads in this context.

What we have learnt from this study:

While health professionals were very positive about the use of iPads and distraction with children and young people, it was evident that attitudes towards their use, the pressures of delivering burn care within busy ward settings, and a lack of training and confidence meant that they were not always used. This study identifies a need to support health professionals in this situation and to consider the development of guidelines and training in the use of iPads within paediatric burn care.