Support Activities for the Reduction of Distress and Pain in Children During Venipuncture
Support Activities for the Reduction of Distress and Pain in Children During Venipuncture
To evaluate the efficacy of Health Support Activities (Animal Assisted Intervention, Clows,
 Musicians) in the reduction of pain and distress in children undergoing venipuncture.

 Hypothesis: the investigators expect a reduction in in pain and distress.
Venipuncture is one of the most unpleasant procedures for children. Previous studies
 demonstrated the effectiveness of distraction techniques in reducing anxiety and pain but no
 one compares the specific activities of animals assisted intervention (AAI), clowns and
 musicians for this procedure.

 In the Hospital involved in the present study, venipuncture service has a week schedule for
 Health Support Activities. In specific days children can benefit of Health Support Activities
 as part of routine care.

 Aims of the present study are: evaluate efficacy of AAI, clowns and musicians in the
 reduction of childrens' distress and pain during venipuncture with respect of a control group
 undergoing venipuncture in the days where Health Support Activities are not scheduled;
 compare distress and pain levels between groups; evaluate caregiver's anxiety and its
 influence on child pain and distress; explore parents' and staff opinion.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  outpatients

 -  scheduled to venipuncture

 -  Italian speaking

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  cognitive and/or developmental impairment