Effects of vibration and cold application on pain and anxiety during intravenous catheterization

Aim: This study was designed to determine effects of vibration and cold gel pack application (Buzzy device) to patients on pain and anxiety levels during intravenous catheterization. Method: The study was planned as a randomized controlled, pre-test-post-test experimental study. "Patient Identification Form", "Opinion of Form for Intravascular Catheterization", "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory" and "Visual Analog Scale" were used as data collection tool. Catheterization was performed 60 seconds before starting intravenous catheterization procedure by applying Buzzy device to patients in the experimental group. According to standard procedure, catheterization was performed to patients in the control group. Results: It was found that the mean pain scores of the patients in the experimental group 1,04±0,96, the mean satisfaction scores 95,30±3,89; the mean pain scores of the patients in the control group 5,32±1,64, the mean satisfaction scores 82,12±7,48 and the difference between the groups was significant (p<0,001). Before catheterization, it was found that the mean state anxiety scores of patients in the experimental group 38,80±4,23, the mean trait anxiety scores 46,28±6,19; the mean state anxiety scores of the patients in the control group 39,76±3,90, the mean trait anxiety scores 45,98±6,50. After catheterization, it was found that the mean state anxiety scores of patients in the experimental group 40,82±3,61, the mean trait anxiety scores 46,48±6,44; the mean state anxiety scores of the patients in the control group 40,84±3,80, the mean trait anxiety scores 45,98±6,46. Before and after intravenous catheterization in the each group, it was found that there was not significant between the mean state anxiety scores of patients and the mean trait anxiety scores of patients (p>0,05). When pulse rates are compared before and after the procedure; there was a significant difference in the experimental group (p<0,05); the difference in the control group was not significant (p> 0,05). Conclusions: Buzzy device was found to reduce pain and pulse rate that depend on intravenous catheterization, to increase state anxiety level and satisfaction level, to can not influence trait anxiety level. Key words: Intravenous catheterization, vibration, cold application, pain, anxiety.