Effect of a Musical-Moving Toy Used During Difficult Peripheral Intravenous Catheterization on Children's Fear Level and Procedure Success

Peripheral intravenous catheterization (PIVC) is one of the most commonly performed invasive procedures in pediatric emergency departments for the administration of fluids, medications, and blood products. However, PIVC procedures can cause significant fear, anxiety, and distress in children. These negative experiences may lead to behavioral reactions such as crying, resistance, and refusal of treatment, which may complicate the procedure and increase procedure duration.

Children with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) represent a particularly challenging group, as multiple attempts may be required to successfully place a catheter. Previous research has shown that non-pharmacological distraction techniques can reduce pain, fear, and anxiety during invasive procedures in children. These techniques are inexpensive, easy to implement, and widely used in pediatric nursing practice.

Various distraction methods such as cartoons, balloon inflation, virtual reality, and distraction cards have been investigated in previous studies. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of musical-moving toys as a distraction method during difficult intravenous catheterization procedures in young children.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect of a musical-moving toy used during PIVC procedures on children's fear level, procedure success, and procedure duration. The study will be conducted in the pediatric emergency department blood collection room of Antalya City Hospital.

A total of 68 children aged 4-6 years with a Difficult Intravenous Access Score (DIVA score) of 4 or higher will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=34) or a control group (n=34) using simple randomization.

In the intervention group, a musical-moving toy will be used during the PIVC procedure to distract the child. The control group will receive standard care without the distraction intervention.

Data will be collected using a Child Information Form, the Difficult Intravenous Access Score (DIVA), the Children's Fear Scale, and measurement of procedure duration using a stopwatch. Statistical analysis will be conducted using SPSS software with the support of a statistician.

The results of this study may contribute to improving the management of procedural fear in pediatric patients and may support the use of simple distraction techniques to improve procedural success and efficiency in pediatric emergency care.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 4-6 years
• Children requiring peripheral intravenous catheterization in the pediatric emergency department
• Children with a Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) score ≥4
• Children whose parents or legal guardians provide informed consent for participation

Exclusion criteria

• Children with cognitive or developmental disorders that may interfere with fear assessment
• Children with visual or hearing impairments preventing interaction with the distraction toy
• Children who require urgent or life-saving interventions
• Children whose parents decline participation in the study