1. The use of visual distraction to improve the tolerability of flexible laryngoscopy.
- Author
-
Biggs, T C, Henderson, A, Shelton, F, and Patel, N N
- Subjects
ACADEMIC medical centers ,AEROSOLS ,ANESTHETICS ,COST effectiveness ,LARYNGOSCOPY ,PHYSICIANS ,POSTOPERATIVE period ,VIDEO recording ,VISUAL perception ,PAIN management ,DISTRACTION ,VISUAL analog scale ,PREOPERATIVE period - Abstract
Background: Flexible laryngoscopy is a commonly performed procedure in otolaryngology. Although this procedure is not considered painful, many patients describe it as uncomfortable. This study investigated the role of visual distraction as a form of pain relief during flexible laryngoscopy. Methods: The study included patients undergoing flexible laryngoscopy at the University Hospital Southampton. Patients were self-allocated to one of four groups: with or without co-phenylcaine anaesthetic spray; and with and without visual distraction. Visual distraction involved the patient watching the procedure concurrently with the clinician, via a video monitor. Pre- and post-procedural discomfort was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Results: The use of topical anaesthetic spray was not associated with significantly reduced discomfort scores (p > 0.05). Discomfort scores were significantly reduced in the visual distraction groups (p = 0.04), irrespective of the use of topical anaesthetic spray. Conclusion: This small study showed that visual distraction should be considered as a simple and cost-effective alternative to local anaesthetic for flexible laryngoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF