COPE with the Poke

Creating Opportunities to Prepare and Educate Children for Pokes and Procedures

Research shows that needle-based procedures are the most common source of pain and anxiety in children.

Whether getting a blood draw, an IV placement, or a vaccine, our goal at Hasbro Children’s is to make needle procedures easier for children and their families.

COPE with the Poke is an evidence-based pain management program that aims to create a more pain-free healthcare experience for pediatric patients at Hasbro Children’s. Our goal is to help decrease anxiety and pain related to needle-based procedures using a collaborative approach.

Our Toolkit

COPE with the Poke is a special program designed to help reduce pain and anxiety during needle procedures. Using proven techniques and a team approach, we work together to create a more positive, worry-free experience for our young patients.

Education and Preparation

Our dedicated team of child life specialists work to provide developmentally appropriate preparation for tests and procedures. This helps to reduce stress and foster feelings of control and mastery. Ask your provider to consult a child life specialist to offer preparation and coping support for your child.

Coping and Distraction Techniques

By helping to create and carry out individualized coping plans, families can feel empowered to advocate for the tools that work best for their child. This could include relaxation strategies, distraction, and the use of comfort positioning (safe and comforting ways to hold your child during a procedure).

Learn more about comfort positioning (PDF) on www.megfoundationforpain.org

Non-Pharmacologic Pain Management Strategies

To make needle procedures more comfortable, we offer the use of nonpharmacologic pain management tools including:

• Buzzy: Vibrating tool that helps to distract the brain from pain signals
• PainEase: Cold feeling spray that numbs the skin
• Four Percent Lidocaine: Cream that numbs the skin
• Shotblocker: Bumpy plastic tool that helps pokes feel more comfortable
• Sucrose: Sugar water that helps to reduce pain in infants
• Breastfeeding during pokes to reduce pain and promote comfort in infants

Is your child coming in for a poke? Work with your child to fill out our coping plan worksheet before your appointment. Bring your coping plan with you and share it with your providers.

Cope with the Poke Coping Plan (PDF) 

When Your Child Needs Extra Support

If the comfort tools and techniques we offer don’t make needle pain manageable for your child, talk with us about other options including:

• Additional preparation and coping support with a child life specialist
• Ability to place a referral with a COPE psychologist

For more information or to set up an appointment with a child life specialist, please email [email protected].