Abstract
Objective To assess whether distraction using music and/or video games influences timing of
analgesia request and improves pain outcomes in women undergoing labor induction.
Study Design A total of 219 pregnant women with singleton gestation undergoing labor induction
with a Foley bulb (FB) at term were randomized to distraction with music and video
games via iPod (n = 109) or no iPod (n = 110). The primary outcome was the time from FB placement to request for pain medication.
Secondary outcomes included number of patients requesting pain medication within 6
and 12 hours, type of pain medication received, pain visual analog scale scores, and
patient satisfaction. Mann–Whitney's, chi-square, Kaplan–Meier's curves, and Pearson's
product moment correlation were used for statistical analysis (significance: p < 0.05).
Results Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. There was no difference
in the time from FB placement until pain medication request between the groups. There
were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. Increased per cent time of
iPod use correlated with a longer time until pain medication request (R
2 = 0.22, p = 0.03).
Conclusion We were not able to show that distraction using music and video games delays timing
of analgesia request or improve pain outcomes in pregnant women undergoing mechanical
labor induction at term.
Keywords
induction of labor - labor analgesia - music - pain - distraction - pain management
