The Effect of Using Thermomechanical Stimulation and Virtual Reality Glasses During Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization on Pain and Patient Satisfaction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral intravenous catheterization is a painful procedure that can be uncomfortable for patients. This study was conducted to determine the effects of using a thermomechanical stimulation device and virtual reality glasses on pain and patient satisfaction during peripheral intravenous catheterization procedure in adult patients.

METHODS

The research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study between June 2021 and February 2022. The sample consisted of 126 voluntarily participating patients. Patients were randomized homogeneously according to sex into the thermomechanical stimulation group, the virtual reality glasses group, or the control group. During peripheral intravenous catheterization procedures, patients in the thermomechanical stimulation group were treated with a cold vibrating device and patients in the virtual reality glasses group were shown a nature video. Data were collected using a baseline demographics form and a visual analog scale. The pain visual analog scale ranges from 0 to 10, with 0 being the best, and the satisfaction visual analog scale ranges from 0 to 10, with 10 being the best. The study was conducted based on Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials guidelines, and the ClinicalTrials.gov ID number of the study is NCT05422287.

RESULTS

Visual analog scale pain scores with mean (SD) for the virtual reality glasses, thermomechanical stimulation, and control groups were 2.71 (SD 1.45) 2.66 (SD 1.22), and 4.85 SD (1.71), respectively. Visual analog scale satisfaction scores with mean (SD) for the virtual reality glasses, thermomechanical stimulation, and control groups were 8.19 (SD 1.40), 8.30 (SD 1.52), and 6.11 (SD 1.31), respectively. Thus, the pain scores of patients in both experimental groups were statistically and clinically significantly lower than those in the control group and their satisfaction scores increased (P<.05). Reductions in pain and increases in patient satisfaction did not differ statistically between the thermomechanical stimulation and virtual reality glasses groups (P>.05).

DISCUSSION

Thermomechanical stimulation and virtual reality glasses were found to reduce pain and increase patient satisfaction during peripheral intravenous catheterization insertion in adult patients. It is recommended that nurses use thermomechanical stimulation or virtual reality glasses during peripheral intravenous catheterization procedures.