Citation

Fogarty E, Dunning E, Koe S, Bolger T, Martin C. Emerg. Med. J. 2014; 31(4): 327-328.

Affiliation

Paediatric Emergency Department, Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/emermed-2013-202337

PMID

23629154

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of a standard hospital glove, inflated as a balloon with a face drawn on it, as a distraction technique in children with an acute injury. METHODS: We designed a study to assess the 'best' way to orientate the glove when drawing a face on it. A prospective study was performed in the authors' institution, where all children between the ages of 2 and 8 years presenting during the study period were given the option of playing with one of two glove balloons with a face drawn on it in two different ways. RESULTS: 149 paediatric patients were assessed, of whom 136 picked a glove, 75 picked the 'Jedward' version and 61 the 'Mohawk' version. CONCLUSIONS: A standard hospital glove, inflated as a balloon with a face drawn on it, is a useful distraction for children with an acute injury. The face drawn should be drawn 'Jedward' style.

Language: en