The effect of cold application on relieving drug infusion-related pain in children: A randomized controlled experimental trial in Turkey

Abstract

Background: Parenteral IV drug administration in hospital environments can cause many complications at the infusion site. Nerve endings on the venous walls may be affected during antibiotic drug infusion, depending on the drug molecule, which results in pain. Purpose: This study aims to assess the effect of cold application on relieving drug infusion-related pain (lincosamide class clindamycin phosphate) in children. Design & methods: This study included 120 pediatric patients (40 in the experimental, 40 in the placebo, and 40 in the control groups) aged 6 to 18 and hospitalized in a pediatric hospital. In the experimental group, a cold pack kept in the refrigerator was applied to the area above the IV catheter before drug infusion, while a cold pack kept at room temperature was applied in the placebo group. In the control group, drug infusion was routinely administered. Results: The experimental, placebo and control groups' 5th minute mean VAS scores were 0.98 ± 2.17, 3.95 ± 4.08, and 4.73 ± 3.89, respectively (p < 0.001), being higher in the control and placebo groups compared to the experimental group. No difference was found between the groups based on the VAS measurements at the 10th minute (p = 0.053). A difference was found between the groups based on the VAS measurements at the 15th minute (p = 0.026). The VAS score of control group was higher than that of the placebo group (p = 0.032). Conclusion: Cold application was effective in relieving drug infusion-related pain. Implications for practice: This method may be recommended for general use in clinics since it is easy-to-use and economic. This method can ease the treatment process between nurses and children and increase patient satisfaction.