Photo Credit: Tonpor Kasa

The following is a summary of “Effect of audiovisual distraction on pain perception during reduction of distal radial fractures: A dual center randomized controlled trial,” published in the April 2025 issue of Journal of Emergency Medicine by HEIJMANS et al. 

The challenge of adequate pain management in the Emergency Department (ED) motivates this study to investigate the potential of audiovisual distraction (AVD) as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce patients’ pain perception.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to compare the impact of AVD on reported pain, anxiety, and satisfaction when used alongside standard care during distal radial fracture reduction in the ED.  

They carried out a randomized controlled trial (RCT) at 2 Level-1 trauma center EDs, enrolling 36 adults with distal radial fractures requiring reduction. Participants were unsystematically allocated to receive either standard care or AVD in addition to standard care. Pain after fracture reduction was the primary outcome, measured using the verbal Numerical Rating Scale (v-NRS).  

The results showed no statistically significant differences between groups in reported pain (difference: 0.8; 95% CI, -1.2 to 2.8), anxiety levels (difference: 0.6; 95% CI, -1.6 to 2.8), or satisfaction scores (difference: 0.1; 95% CI, -0.7 to 1.0). Nevertheless, over 80% of individuals involved—including participants, nurses, and physicians—indicated they would recommend AVD for similar future procedures.  

Investigators concluded that while AVD did not demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in perceived pain or anxiety during wrist fracture reduction in the ED compared to standard care, patients and healthcare providers reported satisfaction and would recommend its use. 

Source: jem-journal.com/article/S0736-4679(25)00106-4/fulltext