Needle Fear White Paper

Addressing Needle Dread, Fear, and Phobia

Understand and address needle dread, fear and phobia with practical options to address injection reluctance and nonadherence.

Clinical Studies, TedTalk, & Case Study also available (see below).

DOWNLOAD THIS WHITE PAPER

Why is This White Paper Important?

This white paper summarizes the past 50 years of needle pain research, including the causes and consequences of needle phobia, the physiology of vasovagal syncope and its conflation with fear, and discusses the impact of needle fear on adherence with research-supported options to address injection reluctance and nonadherence.

Needle Fear is Increasing

Needle fear began increasing in the U.S. when multiple booster injections were introduced in 1982, peaking when the vaccine schedule included 36 separate injections in 2000.

Managing Vasovagal Symptoms

Lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, and syncope can be, but are not always associated with anxiety. Patients may have a physiologic reaction that can be addressed.

Health Implications

The health implications extend beyond the affected individuals. From flu shots to blood tests, needle avoidance has negative impacts on community health.

What You'll Learn In This White Paper:

Download this white paper to better understand the development of needle dread, fear, and phobia, with practical considerations for interventions.

Key take-ways include:

The differences between needle fear, needle phobia, and needle fatigue.
The Pain/Fear/Focus construct and its impact on treatment adherence
How to introduce a 'needle-fear-friendly' intervention

Additional Resources

50+ Independent Studies

Buzzy^®, a medical device invented by Amy Baxter, M.D., is the most proven and most effective solution for needle pain and fear.

Download

TEDx - Pain, Empathy & Public Health

Dr. Baxter explains why needle fear is increasing, the impact on public health and how practitioners can better empathize with patients.

Watch Video

Minnesota Healthcare Case Study

Learn how Child Life Specialists use Buzzy^®to improve patient care for special needs patients at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare.

Download