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