Squishy Toy and Palpation in Pediatric IV Success (Intravenous)

Akdeniz University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Pediatric ALL

Treatments: Other: Palpation; Other: Squishy Toy Squeezing; Other: Routine medical care

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07041216

AkdenizUn

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of two non-pharmacological techniques-squishy toy squeezing and vein palpation-on the success rate of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion in pediatric hematology and oncology patients. Data collection takes place in the procedure room of a pediatric outpatient clinic. The study includes children who have a Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) score of 4 or higher, indicating difficult venous access. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: the squishy toy group, the palpation group, or the control group, which receives standard care.

In the squishy toy group, children use soft, elastic toys to activate hand muscles and improve blood flow, aiming to enhance vein visibility. In the palpation group, the target vein is gently tapped to increase local blood circulation and make the vein more prominent. The control group undergoes catheter insertion without any additional stimulation techniques. All data are recorded using structured forms that collect demographic, clinical, and procedural information. The study aims to determine whether these simple and cost-effective interventions improve the success rate of PIVC insertion in children with difficult venous access.

Enrollment: 90 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 7 to 17 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Children identified by the healthcare team as needing peripheral intravenous catheter placement who also have a Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) score of 4 or above.

Exclusion criteria

• Children unable to squeeze a toy due to physical limitations were excluded from the study.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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90 participants in 3 patient groups

Squishy Toy Group

Experimental group

Description:

In the intervention group, vein suitability was checked using the DIVA score. A tourniquet was applied, the area was cleaned with antiseptic, and the child squeezed a squishy toy 10 times. Afterward, the child stopped using the toy. Once the vein was visible, the catheter was inserted and the tourniquet removed.

Treatment:

Other: Squishy Toy Squeezing

Palpation Group

Experimental group

Description:

In this group, once the vein was identified, the area was gently tapped 8 to 10 times using the inner surfaces of four fingers to stimulate blood flow and enhance vein visibility. This light palpation helped increase local circulation, making the vein easier to access. After the palpation procedure, the area was thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Once the skin was completely dry, the catheter was inserted under sterile conditions.

Treatment:

Other: Palpation

Control Group

Other group

Description:

This group received standard IV insertion with no extra techniques applied.

Treatment:

Other: Routine medical care