Use of Hand Extension Rubber During Intravenous Catheter Placement

While the use of non-pharmacological methods to reduce pain and anxiety levels and increase satisfaction during peripheral intravenous catheterization has gained importance in recent years, studies on techniques that are easy to implement, low-cost, and proven to be effective-particularly in adults-remain limited. It is believed that the hand extension rubber has the potential to reduce pain and anxiety as a distraction method, thereby increasing patient satisfaction. The findings will enhance nurses' adherence to evidence-based practices and improve the quality of patient care. This study holds unique value as it is the first research in Turkey to address this method in adult individuals.

Inclusion criteria

• Volunteers willing to participate in the study
• Patients aged 18-65
• Patients who are alert and able to communicate verbally in Turkish
• Patients assigned to the green zone during triage
• Patients suitable for PICC placement in the left cephalic and basilic veins
• Patients who are right-handed
• Patients with a VAS pain score of 0 prior to the PIC procedure

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with acute or chronic pain
• Patients with conditions that cause limited mobility, such as muscle disorders or grip dysfunction
• Patients with peripheral neuropathy, arteriovenous fistula, or bilateral mastectomy
• Patients with a psychiatric diagnosis (as self-reported)
• Patients with communication impairments (hearing, speech, and vision)
• Patients with a history of negative PIC procedure experiences

Terminating Criteria:

• Participants wishing to withdraw from the study at any stage after giving their consent
• Failure of the PIC procedure
• Failure to use the hand extension band until the end of the procedure
• Occurrence of complications related to the PIC procedure during the procedure