The effect of arm massage on peripheral intravenous catheter insertion success
Abstract:
Purpose: Peripheral intravenous catheter access becomes difficult in patients diagnosed with breast cancer who receive chemotherapy treatment because vein visibility decreases. The study aims to determine the effect of arm massage on the success of peripheral intravenous catheter insertion in breast cancer patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy.
Methods: This randomized controlled study included 60 breast cancer patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy (experimental = 30, control = 30). The patients in the experimental group received arm massage before the procedure, while those in the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using a record form for peripheral intravenous chemotherapy administration.
Results: Vein visibility was significantly improved in the massage group (p < 0.001). The effect size was calculated as Cohen's d = 1.24, with a 95 % confidence interval of [0.60, 1.46]. Successful peripheral intravenous catheter insertion time was statistically shorter in the experimental group (p = 0.000). Post-procedure anxiety levels were significantly lower in the experimental group (p = 0.000). While the level of satisfaction with the procedure increased statistically significantly in the experimental group (p = 0.000), it decreased statistically significantly in the control group (p = 0.012). The nurses in the groups stated that arm massage facilitated catheter insertion in 90 % of the procedures.
Conclusion: Massage shortened the peripheral intravenous catheter insertion process and positively affected the patients’ anxiety of and satisfaction with the procedure. Cost-effective arm massage was recommended for use in patients undergoing intravenous chemotherapy.
Reference:
Eren H, Karacan Y. The effect of arm massage on the success of peripheral intravenous catheter insertion in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: A randomized controlled study. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2026 Jan 14;80:103106. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2026.103106. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41619401.