The Effect of Cold Spray and Ice Applied During Intravenous Access on Pain and Fear in Children Aged 7-15 Years in Pediatric Emergency Unit

This study aimed to determine the effect of cold spray and ice applied during venipuncture procedures on pain and fear in 67 children ages 7-15 admitted to the pediatric emergency unit.

Materials and Methods Setting This randomized, controlled experimental study was conducted in the Pediatric Emergency Clinic of Istanbul Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital between November 2021 7 and April 2022. The Pediatric Emergency Clinic consists of 10 beds. Patients with complaints such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures comprise the majority of those admitted to the clinic. In the Pediatric Emergency Clinic, intravenous interventions were performed in the injection room.

Sample The study's population comprised children ages 7-15 treated in the Pediatric Emergency Department of Gaziosmanpaşa Training and Research Hospital. The sample consisted of children undergoing intravenous access in line with the inclusion criteria. According to the power analysis for the sample size in line with the literatüre the power of the sample was calculated with the G*Power 3.1 program. With a Type I error of 0.05 and a test power of 0.80 (α= 0.05, 1-β= 0.80), the minimum sample size was calculated as children (30 children in 83 each group). The study was completed with 96 children, including 32 children in the study and control groups, taking into account the losses that might occur from the sample for any reason during the study period.

Allocation In the study, 96 children in the sample will randomly assigned to the control (n=32), ice (n=32), and spray groups (n=32). Random assignment will ensured by using a computer program to determine the group of children (https://www.randomlists.com/team-generator).

Data Collection Before starting the study, the families of the children were informed of the purpose, plan, duration, and how the data would be used. Written consent was obtained in light of the principle of willingness and voluntariness through the Voluntary Information and Consent Form. Pediatric patients included in the study were divided into three groups: cold spray, ice, and control. Environmental conditions were organized the same way in all three groups, and at least one parent was ensured to stay with each child. The study was conducted with a nurse performing intravenous intervention and a nurse researcher.