Understanding both sides of the blood draw: The experience of the pediatric patient and the phlebotomist

A phlebotomist’s words and actions play a crucial role in success of blood draw providing supportive patient experience. This study examined use comfort measures during pediatric draw. The soft words, positioning, distraction, coaching/support were observed with sixty children between 3-14 years age level fear /anxiety before the was recorded by an RA. child’s fear/anxiety reported parent/caregiver after procedure. Comfort provided phlebotomists, parent/caregiver’s report their usual response, parent’s needles compared. offered inconsistently across groups. Distraction most frequent measure (85%), followed (72%). Positioning used more often younger (42%) than older (7%). Despite high measures, many (56%) had levels 2-4 fear/anxiety. predicted Phlebotomists can benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities developmentally appropriate education, including to mitigate patients’ pain fear. Given importance creating positive patient-family centered environment, introductions, interactions build trusting rapport are crucial. Additionally, this research highlighted self-advocacy patients families. When providers ask listen, brave enough share voice...the human experience will improve on all sides.