Perception and attitude of providers toward pain and anxiety associated with pediatric vaccine injection

Despite the many options available for control of the pain and anxiety during vaccine injections, they are not often used. A total of 70 primary care providers (PCPs) were asked to rate their perception of pain and anxiety associated with vaccine injection in an average 4- to 6-year-old using a visual analog scale-0 (no pain/anxiety) to 10 (very severe pain/anxiety)-as well as perceived barriers. The mean PCPs' perception of pain associated with vaccine injection was 5.7 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.3-6.1), and perceived anxiety was 7.7 (95% CI = 7.2-8.1). Trainees recorded higher perceived anxiety than attending physicians (8.0 vs 6.9; P =.03)]. Of the respondents, 63 (90%) felt that pain and anxiety control is achievable in their office setting. Nevertheless, only 8 (11%) PCPs had ordered any pain and anxiety control measures during vaccine injection. There is a gap between the PCPs' perception of pain and anxiety and practice of pain and anxiety control measures during vaccine injection.