Buzzy® for Pain Management During Routine Immunizations in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Problem: Children receive multiple vaccines throughout their childhood. Immunization associated pain can change the way the body responds to stress. Despite the development of multiple pain management techniques, many primary care offices have no forms of pain management during routine immunizations. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement and evaluate a protocol for Buzzy® use during routine immunizations in a pediatric primary care office. Methods: During a 15-week implementation period, all children greater than 18 months of age were offered a Buzzy® when receiving a vaccine. Key stakeholders were identified, and staff were educated on Buzzy® indications, administration, and contraindications prior to implementation. Written materials about Buzzy® were placed in the waiting room and exam rooms for parents to review. Staff were provided with educational sessions that included a presentation and a hands-on demonstration. All eligible children were offered a Buzzy® by the provider. If parent and child agreed the Buzzy® was incorporated into routine immunization administration by the nursing staff. Data logs were developed, and nurses completed the log after each eligible patient. Data related to the number of patients who were offered a Buzzy® by the provider and how many patients received their immunizations with a Buzzy® were collected. Data analysis was conducted through run charts. Results: 100% of staff members completed the education by week 6. An average of 15% of patients were offered a Buzzy® by a physician, while 44% of the patients who were offered and agreed were administered vaccines with a Buzzy® by a nurse. Conclusion: Educating and implementing a protocol on Buzzy® use increased the rate of providers offering a Buzzy® to eligible patients and nursing staff administering routine immunizations with a Buzzy®.