Distraction (in pain and anxiety)
Short definition
Distraction, in the context of pain and anxiety, is the technique of shifting a person's attention away from an unpleasant stimulus, such as a painful procedure, towards a more engaging one.
In plain language
Attention is limited: when it is taken up by something engaging, less is left for pain or fear. Distraction can be simple (talking, counting, soap bubbles) or technological (video, games, virtual reality). It is widely used in paediatrics, for example during a blood draw or a dressing change.
In practice, in an RVer session
Virtual reality distraction is one of the most studied uses. In RVer, sessions are seated or lying down, and staff follow on a tablet what the person sees, able to pause or stop at any time.