Thermoelectric tourniquet-assisted thermotherapy and cryotherapy for pain, regional blood flow, and satisfaction with intravenous injections among hospitalized patients in Korea: a randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: Intravenous injections are a common invasive procedure for delivering fluids or medications. Although patients experience pain from needle insertion, this discomfort is often overlooked due to its short duration and perceived insignificance. This study aimed to assess the effect of applying cryotherapy and thermotherapy using a flexible thermoelectric device on relieving the pain caused by intravenous injections. Methods: This randomized controlled trial utilized the modified thermoelectric element (M-TEE) tourniquet, which improves heat and cold transfer through a flexible TEE. Participants were hospitalized adults who had an 18-gauge angiocatheter inserted for surgery. The M-TEE tourniquet was applied 10-12 cm above the injection site, providing thermotherapy (40°C-45°C) or cryotherapy (0°C-10°C) to the respective groups. The control group received no temperature treatment. Pain, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and regional blood flow were measured. Post-injection, satisfaction surveys were conducted with participants and practitioners. Results: There was a significant difference in pain perception among the three groups (F = 3.38, Conclusion: The M-TEE tourniquet effectively reduces intravenous injection pain and increases patient and practitioner satisfaction, particularly with cryotherapy.