Comparative effectiveness of the Buzzy®, ShotBlocker® and Helfer skin tap technique in reducing pain and fear during pediatric intramuscular injections: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of three non-pharmacological methods-the Helfer Skin Tap technique (HST), ShotBlocker®, and Buzzy®-in reducing pain and fear in children aged 4-12 years during intramuscular (IM) injections in a pediatric emergency unit.

Methods: Conducted between January and October 2024, the study included 90 children aged 4-12 years. Participants were randomly assigned to the HST (n = 30), ShotBlocker® (n = 30), or Buzzy® (n = 30) group. Each child received an IM ceftriaxone injection using the designated technique. Pain and fear were assessed by the child, parent, and observer nurse one minute before and after the procedure using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, Faces Pain Scale-Revised, and Child Fear Scale.

Results: The mean age was 7.91 ± 2.71 years. Pain and fear scores were comparable between the groups before the procedure (p > 0.05). After injection, pain and fear scores were lowest in the Buzzy® group, followed by the ShotBlocker® and HST groups.

Conclusion: All three methods effectively reduced pain and fear during IM injections, with Buzzy® being the most effective. These simple, low-cost techniques are suitable to enhance comfort and reduce fear in pediatric emergency units.