Duzkaya, Duygu SonmezKarakul, AtiyeAkoy, IremremAndi, Senem2025-03-172025-03-1720241755-599X1878-013Xhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ienj.2024.101502https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13099/2115Background: In pediatric emergency units, intramuscular injection is one of the most common procedures that cause pain and fear in children. Reducing pain and fear is important for patient comfort. Objective: This randomized controlled experimental study aimed to determine the effects of ShotBlocker (R) (R) and the Helfer skin tap technique on the pain and fear experienced by children aged 6-12 years during intramuscular injection in pediatric emergency units. Methods: This study was conducted from April 2022 to October 2023 among 177 children aged 6-12 years. ShotBlocker and the Helfer skin tap technique were applied during intramuscular injection among children in the intervention groups (ShotBlocker group: n = 59, Helfer skin tap technique group: n = 59), while children in the control group received routine injections. (n = 59). The levels of pain and fear were measured. Results: In the analysis of the age distribution of the children, the average age of the Helfer skin tap technique group was found to be 8.54 +/- 2.00 years; ShotBlocker group, 8.46 +/- 1.99 years; and control group, 9.19 +/- 2.01 years. There was a significant difference in the post-intervention Wong-Baker Pain Scale and Child Fear Scale scores based on the evaluation of the children, parents, and observer nurses between the groups (p < 0.05). The pain and fear scores of the ShotBlocker group were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: ShotBlocker is more effective in reducing pain than the Helfer skin tap technique among children receiving intramuscular injection. These cheap and easy-to-use methods are recommended for use in emergency units.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessIM injectionShotBlocker (R)Helfer skin tap techniqueChildNurseArticle10.1016/j.ienj.2024.10150276Q2WOS:0012941257000012-s2.0-8520082403239126884Q1