The Needle-Less Treatment of Pain and Anxiety in the Pediatric Patient

We recognize the possibility of a needle stick can be an overwhelming fear for a child. We seek to review the needle-less options available to medical personnel for the treatment of pain and anxiety in children. We found that many new needle-less options exist for the treatment of pain and anxiety. Pharmacological measures, beyond the oral and enteral routes of medication administration, include intra-nasal and topical routes. Non-pharmacological treatments, including distraction techniques and oral sucrose for infants, are increasingly being recognized as viable treatments as the scientific community begins to study the effects these interventions can have on pediatric pain. There are many options to treat pediatric pain and anxiety that do not involve the use of a needle. Using needle-less methods of treatment helps pediatric care providers send a message of partnership with children and families.