Which one is effective on pain associated with venipuncture and patient satisfaction? Six groups, randomised comparative trials
Abstract
Background: Venous blood collection is a common nursing procedure that often causes pain and anxiety, lowering patient satisfaction. Effective, evidence-based non-pharmacological strategies are essential for pain control and quality care.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial employed a six-arm comparative design with 216 adults allocated equally to six groups: control, cold application, hot application, chewing gum, Valsalva maneuver, and stress ball (n=36 each). Pain was assessed using the numerical rating scale and satisfaction with the visual analog scale. The study followed the CONSORT 2010 checklist.
Results: Group differences in pain scores were statistically significant (F=6.888; p<0.001). Compared with the control group, both the hot application and Valsalva maneuver groups reported lower pain (p<0.003). Moreover, the Valsalva group had significantly lower pain than the hot application group (p<0.05). Satisfaction scores did not significantly differ across groups (F=1.647; p=0.149).
Conclusions: The Valsalva maneuver was the most effective intervention for reducing venipuncture-induced pain. Simple, evidence-based nursing interventions can be incorporated into routine practice to improve care quality.
Keywords
Supporting Institution
None
Ethical Statement
Approval was obtained from the Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University Ethics Committee (30.05.2022, No: 207/6) and institutional permission from Nevşehir State Hospital (15.12.2022, No: E-26171210-929). Written informed consent was obtained from all participants before enrollment.
Thanks
None
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Fundamentals of Nursing
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Publication Date
February 18, 2026
Submission Date
August 24, 2025
Acceptance Date
January 2, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 17 Number: January, February, March 2026