Effect of addition of distraction to cryotherapy on arteriovenous cannulation‐associated pain: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Introduction Pain associated with the arteriovenous fistula needle is considered one of the major challenges faced by nurses and patients. This study evaluates the effectiveness of using two different approaches in combination to alleviate pain associated with arteriovenous fistula needle cannulation, and patients' satisfaction level with this method. Methods A randomized clinical trial was conducted on hemodialysis patients who were allocated to one to two groups: intervention (distraction plus cryotherapy) (n = 25) or control group (receiving cryotherapy alone) (n = 25). The pain level was assessed before and at the end of applying cryotherapy and distraction techniques. Patients' satisfaction level was assessed at the end of the trial. Findings After the application of cryotherapy and distraction techniques for the intervention group, the mean value of pain level was 2.12 (0.9) compared with 3.92 (0.16) for the control group. Independent t tests showed a significant difference between groups regarding the pain level with p value less than 0.05. The mean satisfaction level for the participants receiving only cryotherapy was 4.6 out of 10, compared with 5.9 for the patients who received cryotherapy and distraction techniques. Discussion The findings revealed that using two different approaches in combination to control pain associated with AV fistula cannulation was more effective than using a single strategy. The technique can be used in clinical settings to reduce pain and improve patients' satisfaction level.