The effect of the PİKSEC app on peripheral intravenous catheter insertion success, pain, and emotional level in children

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using the PİKSEÇ application on the success of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion and the pain and emotional status scores of hospitalized children aged 3-6 years undergoing PIVC insertion. The study employed a post-test control group design with non-randomized groups. The research was conducted in the general pediatric ward of an education and research hospital. The sample consisted of 100 children (control group=50, experimental group=50) aged 3-6 years who were admitted to the hospital and required PIVC insertion. Data were collected between December 15, 2023, and April 15, 2024, using the "Demographic Information Form," "PIVC Monitoring Form," "Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale," and "Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale." In the control group, PIVC insertions were performed according to routine ward procedures. In the experimental group, children were evaluated using the PİKSEÇ application, prepared according to the miniMAGIC guidelines and difficult intravenous access score, before the procedure. It was found that the first attempt success rate of PIVC insertion in the experimental group was 2.25 times higher (1.011-5.019) compared to the control group (p<0.05). The average number of PIVC attempts was lower in the experimental group (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups regarding the duration of PIVC insertion and the mean pain score according to the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (p>0.05). The experimental group had lower mean emotional status scores according to the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale during PIVC insertion. In conclusion, evaluating the child using the PİKSEÇ application before PIVC insertion was effective in increasing the success rate of the first PIVC attempt, reducing the number of attempts, and improving the children's emotional status. Clinical Trial registration number: NCT06186518