Distraction during medical procedures: From a psychological strategy to a bioethical necessity

Isi Iris Ordóñez-Velázquez; Mario I Ortiz

doi:10.29057/mbr.v8i15.17153

Authors

Isi Iris Ordóñez-Velázquez Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo ,Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8428-6437
Mario I Ortiz Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo ,Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1047-6304

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29057/mbr.v8i15.17153

Keywords:

Distraction, anxiety, bioethics, humanization of carehumanization of care, patient rights, medical procedure

Abstract

Pain and anxiety during medical procedures are common experiences that, if not properly managed, can lead to negative consequences such as the development of phobias and avoidance of future care. While useful, pharmacological alternatives have limitations such as adverse reactions and drug interactions, especially in vulnerable populations. The aim is to analyze distraction strategies used in medical procedures and discuss their implications for ethical and humanized clinical practice. Distraction is presented as a clinically effective tool, and its systematic implementation adheres to fundamental bioethical principles: preventing avoidable harm, actively promoting well-being, and contributing to equity in the quality of care, respecting the patient as an active agent in their own care.

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