Computer-taught coping techniques for venepuncture: preliminary findings from usability testing with children, parents and staff

Teaching cognitive and behavioural coping techniques can reduce children's pain and distress during medical procedures. However, these simple techniques are often not taught to children due to lack of staff time, training and teaching aids. We developed a computer-based self-administered programme (CTCT) to teach coping skills to school-aged children in the waiting room prior to venepuncture. All children had topical local anaesthetic and parents were present. Children reported only mild pain and distress from venepuncture and seven children used techniques learned from the CTCT programme. Previous pain coping influenced behavioural distress during venepuncture. Ten children reported that they would use CTCT again. Nine parents stated they would recommend their child use CTCT in future. All staff responded favourably to the use of CTCT for children prior to venepuncture. Our preliminary findings demonstrate that the coping techniques can be taught using a computer game format and that children, parents and staff found the method acceptable