Barriers to the Use of Pain Prevention Techniques During Immunization

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this project was to identify barriers to the use of pain prevention techniques during immunization.

Method: A national, voluntary survey was distributed to members of the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners in June 2019.

Results: The survey gathered information about the type of practitioner (pediatric nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, nurse, etc.), practice location (inpatient, primary care, specialty care, etc.), and patient population served and also included information regarding geographic location, socioeconomic status, insurance coverage, and immunization status as well as current practice information. Respondents identified the following barriers: time (22.4%), availability (17.5%), lack of knowledge (17%), staff support (14.1%), cost (12.1%), lack of resources (7.4%), safety concerns (4.7%), environmental factor (3.4%), and other (1.4%).

Discussion: The lack of pain prevention techniques is primarily because of availability, lack of knowledge and staff support, and cost. Proposed means to address these barriers include the development of a toolkit.

Keywords: Pain prevention; barriers; immunization.