Reducing the pain of intravenous injections in preschool children

Abstract

Peripheral intravenous catheter insertion is a significant source of stress for preschoolers during hospitalization. An average of about 85% of pediatric patients at our general pediatric unit are preschoolers. An average 71% of these exhibit severe pain-related behavior during intravenous insertions. The factors influencing this pain experience may include inappropriate administration of analgesics by nurses, non-pharmacologic pain management, and inappropriate clinical settings. This project worked to develop a strategy to reduce the incidence of severe injection pain in preschool children from 71.0% to 36.0% and to achieve a capacity improvement target of 50%. We implemented the following: 1) arranged a relevant training program for pediatric nurses; 2) revised hospital standards for pediatric intravenous insertions; and 3) enhanced analgesic administration and non-pharmacologic pain management through creating child-friendly clinical settings and providing interactive toys. After implementing the above mentioned interventions, the incidence of severe pain-related behavior in pediatric patients decreased from 71.0% to 19.7%, a result that greatly exceeded expectations. This project demonstrated an effective approach to reducing severe intravenous-insertion pain in preschoolers and increasing pediatric care quality.