Procedural Anxiety and Fear

Anxiety and fears about medical procedures are common in children/youth: two-thirds report needle fear and 10% report needle phobia. Addressing this anxiety/fear is critical, as up to half of children seen in the Emergency Department undergo painful procedures (e.g., IVs, blood tests, catheterizations, wound repair). Procedural pain is complex, involving both physical pain and anxiety/fear. Inadequate management of either increases future anxiety and can lead to healthcare avoidance that persists into adulthood. Managing both improves procedural success and optimizes future care.