@article{d43a7418a9b4433aa2c6cee7908a0ff2,
title = "The Feasibility of Using the BrightHearts Biofeedback-Assisted Relaxation Application for the Management of Pediatric Procedural Pain: A Pilot Study",
abstract = "Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using BrightHearts, a biofeedback-assisted relaxation application (app), in children undergoing painful procedures. Methods: Thirty children 7 to 18 years of age undergoing a medical procedure (peripheral blood collection, botulinum toxin injection, or intravenous cannula insertion) participated. Participants used BrightHearts, a heart rate–controlled biofeedback-assisted relaxation training app delivered via an iPad with heart rate measured through a pulse oximeter worn on the ear or thumb. Feasibility was assessed through observations and patient, parent/carer, and healthcare professional feedback. Patient, parent/carer, and healthcare professional satisfaction with BrightHearts was rated using investigator-developed surveys. Results: Eighty-three percent of child participants reported that they found BrightHearts helpful during the procedure and that they would use BrightHearts again. All parents and 96% of healthcare professionals indicated they would use BrightHearts again. Sixty-four percent of healthcare providers perceived that BrightHearts assisted with the ease of performing the procedure. Qualitative analyses found 2 themes: (1) BrightHearts calms through providing distraction and biofeedback and (2) the impact of BrightHearts on the procedure. Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates the feasibility of using biofeedback-assisted relaxation delivered via the BrightHearts app in children undergoing peripheral blood collection and cannulation. Future studies are required to evaluate BrightHearts{\textquoteright} efficacy in reducing pain and anxiety during painful procedures and distinguish the effects of a biofeedback-mediated app from distraction.",
keywords = "anxiety, apps, biofeedback, children, procedural pain, relaxation",
author = "Burton, {Karen L.O.} and Morrow, {Angela M.} and Beswick, {Brooke V.} and Khut, {George P.}",
note = "Funding Information: We would like to thank the children and parents who participated in this study, as well as the staff of Kids Rehab, the Oncology Treatment Centre, and the Emergency Department at The Children's Hospital at Westmead for their assistance in recruitment. This project was supported by the Australian Network for Art and Technology in association with the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding, and advisory body (Artist Residency for George Khut), the James N. Kirby Foundation (medical grant), Kids Rehab at the Children's Hospital at Westmead, the University of Technology Sydney Interaction Design & Human Practices Lab, and Interactivation Studio, and the University of New South Wales, Faculty of Art & Design. Brooke Beswick was supported by a Sydney Medical School Summer Research Scholarship with the University of Sydney. Funding Information: We would like to thank the children and parents who participated in this study, as well as the staff of Kids Rehab, the Oncology Treatment Centre, and the Emergency Department at The Children{\textquoteright}s Hospital at Westmead for their assistance in recruitment. This project was supported by the Australian Network for Art and Technology in association with the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding, and advisory body (Artist Residency for George Khut), the James N. Kirby Foundation (medical grant), Kids Rehab at the Children{\textquoteright}s Hospital at Westmead, the University of Technology Sydney Interaction Design & Human Practices Lab, and Interactivation Studio, and the University of New South Wales, Faculty of Art & Design. Brooke Beswick was supported by a Sydney Medical School Summer Research Scholarship with the University of Sydney. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2018 World Institute of Pain",
year = "2018",
month = nov,
doi = "10.1111/papr.12696",
language = "English",
volume = "18",
pages = "979--987",
journal = "Pain Practice",
issn = "1530-7085",
publisher = "Wiley-Blackwell",
number = "8",
}