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Here are three main preparatory routes to the pain management
problems posed by needlephobia:
1. Providing information - medical staff, friends and parents can
all make a difference by making the patient fully aware
of what is going to occur and the reasons why. For a child, it is
best to explain in very simple terms what is going to happen.
2. Coping strategies - distraction techniques can really help.
For example, you could take along a child's favourite toy, teddy or
dolly. Reading a book can help (musical books or pop-ups work
especially well with young children). You could also try singing
songs, counting to ten or using toys that use the child's other hand
or arm. Obviously, taking teddy may not be applicable for adults.
3. Topical anaesthetic preparations - numbing the nerves before
needle procedures, such as venepuncture or venous cannulation.
These topical anaesthetics have been used in hospitals for many
years and are often known as "magic cream".
The use of a topical anaesthetic preparation can have a profound
influence upon a child’s experience of needle procedures and can play
a major part in preventing development of needlephobia.
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