In the realm of medical procedures, injections often evoke discomfort and anxiety for patients. Whether it’s insulin shots, immunizations, allergy treatments, or fertility injections, the prick of a needle can be a source of apprehension. The ShotBlocker®, a ground-breaking tool designed to transform the injection experience. This innovative device, resembling a small plastic disk, boasts short, smooth contact points on its bottom surface and a central opening, making it suitable for administering both intramuscular and subcutaneous injections.
The Power of ShotBlocker®
ShotBlocker® is a game-changer in the world of medical injections. It provides effective relief from injection-related pain without the need for chemical sprays or drug-based creams. Its mode of operation is grounded in the gate control theory of pain management, a well-established concept in the field of pain relief.
How ShotBlocker® Works
The gate control theory of pain management is at the core of ShotBlocker’s effectiveness. It capitalizes on the simultaneous stimulation of larger sensory nerve fibres that respond to touch. By doing so, it essentially “closes the pain gate” in the spinal cord. This means that while the needle is in action, the brain is shielded from receiving the pain signals generated by the injection. The result? A minimized sensation of pain during the injection process.
Clinically Proven Efficacy
The effectiveness of ShotBlocker® isn’t just a claim; it’s substantiated by extensive clinical testing. Four independent studies, conducted at esteemed medical facilities including the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey‐ Robert Wood Medical School, Drexel University College of Medicine, St. Luke’s Medical Centre in Quezon City, Philippines, and various healthcare centres in Ohio, have validated its efficacy. This rigorous testing underscores ShotBlocker’s ability to provide genuine pain relief during injections.
Simple and Reusable
Using ShotBlocker® is a straightforward process that enhances patient comfort. To use it, the device is positioned over the injection site, with the smooth contact points gently applied against the skin. The injection is then administered through the central opening. Once the injection is complete, ShotBlocker® can be easily lifted from the skin.
The best part? It’s reusable for future injections, making the entire process of receiving or administering injections significantly more comfortable and less distressing. Aside from the mentioned points above, ShotBlocker® is a great tool for helping manage a child’s anxiety during the injection process. Down below we will explore techniques which help during that process and how ShotBlocker® can help.
Easing Children’s Anxiety During injections
The process of getting vaccinated can be a source of anxiety for children. The fear of needles and the unfamiliar setting of a healthcare facility can make the experience stressful. Here, we delve deeper into how one can help alleviate this anxiety and ensure a more comfortable injection process for children:
- The Significance of the ShotBlocker® Device:
Doctor Huttner’s creation, the Shot Blocker, constitutes a ground-breaking advancement in the domain of paediatric immunizations. Its efficacy is underpinned by the Gate Theory of Pain. When the ShotBlocker is strategically applied to the skin during the administration of an injection, it generates sensory impulses that effectively overpower the pain gate mechanism.
This, in turn, hinders the transmission of pain signals, including those originating from needle punctures, from reaching the cerebral cortex. It’s important to note that this innovative tool not only serves as a physical apparatus but also carries psychological benefits, providing children with a heightened sense of agency and empowerment during the vaccination process.
- Fostering a Calm Environment:
The emotional state of the caregiver, whether they be a parent or a healthcare professional, assumes a pivotal role in mitigating a child’s anxiety. Children possess a keen sensitivity to the emotional cues of those in their immediate surroundings.
Thus, maintaining an aura of serenity, composure, and reassurance can wield a profound influence on a child’s overall experience. Employing a soothing vocal tone, offering a comforting tactile presence, and delivering words of encouragement all contribute significantly to the establishment of trust and the amelioration of apprehension.
- Utilization of Comfort Objects:
The concept of familiarity yields comfort, and cherished comfort items such as a favoured blanket, a beloved literary work, or a treasured stuffed companion serve as steadfast anchors for children navigating the unfamiliar terrain of a medical facility. These objects function as wellsprings of security and reassurance, thereby instilling a sense of normalcy in an otherwise unconventional environment.
- Implementation of Distractive Techniques:
Distractive methodologies emerge as potent tools in the management of anxiety. Diverting a child’s attention away from the anticipation of a vaccination, be it towards engaging toys, literary materials, or captivating visual stimuli, can yield remarkable results. Collaborative efforts with healthcare practitioners aimed at engrossing the child in conversation or interactive pursuits prove effective in redirecting their focus, thereby rendering the vaccination experience less daunting.
- Post-Vaccination Period: A Time for Rest:
The post-vaccination phase offers a valuable window for the consolidation of routine and familiarity. For parents and caregivers, resuming customary activities or simply spending quality time together in a tranquil and reassuring manner facilitates a seamless transition for children away from the vaccination experience. Simultaneously, this period affords an opportunity for the monitoring of immediate reactions while providing a consistent source of comfort.
The Verdict
In conclusion, the ShotBlocker® is a revolutionary tool that prioritizes patient comfort and aims to alleviate the discomfort and anxiety commonly associated with injections. Grounded in the gate control theory of pain management and backed by clinical studies, it offers a tangible solution for making the injection experience more pleasant for both patients and healthcare providers. ShotBlocker® not only provides relief from pain but also empowers individuals to approach injections with greater ease and confidence, ultimately enhancing overall healthcare experiences.
In order to find out more about our ShotBlocker® you can click on this link to view the product info sheet. To continue reading our blogs click here.