Warm Compress Application Versus Standard Technique for IV Cannulation: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Pain Reduction and First-Attempt Success Rates

Abstract

Background:
Manually inserting the intravenous line proves challenging for healthcare professionals due to the high rate of failed attempts and poor patient comfort. Studies suggest that warm compress treatment enhances vein visibility during medical procedures through blood vessel expansion, but specific confirmations from randomized controlled trials are still needed.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of warm compresses compared to standard IV cannulation techniques in improving first-attempt success rates, reducing patient pain, and enhancing satisfaction.
Methods: Researchers from a single Hospital (SGTH) conducted a randomized controlled trial by assigning 54 participants to either warm compress therapy or standard cannulation protocol before cannulation. Participants evaluated their experience based on first-attempt success rate, pain levels reported on the VAS scale, plus their overall satisfaction rating on a 5-point scale. Our statistical analysis included independent t-tests and chi-square tests at a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Participants of the warm compress group achieved better IV startup results (92.6% vs 66.7%, p=0.012) with lower pain experiences (2.8 vs 4.5, p=0.009) and higher satisfaction rates (51.9% versus 14.8%, p=0.017). Nurses with more than five years of experience plus clear visible veins helped increase success rates (statistical significance at p = 0.028 and p = 0.003 respectively).
Conclusion: When healthcare providers use warm compresses during insertion, patients experience better vein access during IV infusion while feeling less pain. Clinical teams should use this method, especially when patients have hard-to-access veins.