Abstract:
Background: Intravenous catheterization is a common nursing procedure, although it is invasive and may cause pain and stress. Non-pharmacological interventions such as cryotherapy and thermotherapy have been explored, but practical and effective options remain limited.
Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cryotherapy and thermotherapy using the Enhanced Thermoelectric Element Tourniquet (E-TEET) a device equipped with a temperature-controlled plate and wireless charging on pain, stress, and patient satisfaction during intravenous catheterization.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 128 adult inpatients scheduled for preoperative intravenous catheterization. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: cryotherapy (n = 31), thermotherapy (n = 31), control (E-TEET without temperature, n = 33), or comparison (latex tourniquet, n = 33). Pain and stress levels were measured using- the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), along with pulse rate and oxygen saturation. Post-procedure satisfaction was also evaluated.
Results: No significant differences were observed among the groups in terms of pain, pulse rate, or oxygen saturation. However, the cryotherapy group exhibited significantly lower stress levels and higher satisfaction compared to the comparison group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Healthcare provider Satisfaction was significantly higher in the cryotherapy group than in the control group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Cryotherapy using the E-TEE Tourniquet effectively reduced stress and improved satisfaction during intravenous catheterization, supporting its use as a feasible non-pharmacological intervention. Further studies are needed to standardize intervention parameters and validate findings across populations.
Reference:Kim B, Kim S, Her J, Lee YJ, Hur MH. Effects of Cryotherapy and Thermotherapy Using an E-TEET on Pain, Stress, and Satisfaction Among Patients and Healthcare Providers During Intravenous Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Nurs Rep. 2026 Jan 7;16(1):17. doi: 10.3390/nursrep16010017. PMID: 41591114.