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Updated: Dec 12, 2025

A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
A narrative review with practical advice on how to decrease pain and distress during venepuncture and peripheral
Giorgio Cozzi1, Paolo Valerio2, Robert Kennedy3
1Institute for Maternal and Child Health IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Trieste, Italy.
Insights
Managing pain and distress during paediatric venepuncture and intravenous cannulation is crucial. This review offers evidence-based strategies for neonates and children, including those with cognitive impairment or difficult venous access, to improve practice.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Pain Management
- Medical Procedures
Background:
- Venepuncture and peripheral intravenous cannulation are common pediatric procedures.
- These interventions can cause significant pain and distress in children.
- Effective pain management is essential for pediatric patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on managing pain and distress during pediatric venepuncture and cannulation.
- To identify effective psychological and pharmacological interventions.
- To provide a management strategy for improving daily practice.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of evidence on pain and distress management.
- Focus on environmental preparation, patient assessment, and parental involvement.
- Specific consideration for neonates, children with cognitive impairment, and difficult intravenous access.
Main Results:
- Evidence supports a multimodal approach including environmental, psychological, and pharmacological strategies.
- Parental involvement and tailored patient preparation are key.
- Specific techniques are effective for vulnerable pediatric populations.
Conclusions:
- Implementing evidence-based strategies can significantly reduce pain and distress.
- A brief, actionable management strategy is proposed for healthcare providers.
- Improving pain management enhances the experience of pediatric patients undergoing common procedures.
Abstract:
Venepuncture and peripheral intravenous cannulation are two of the most commonly paediatric performed medical procedures in many healthcare settings. These procedures can cause significant pain and distress at any age, during childhood, so appropriate management is strongly recommended. This review examines the evidence related to pain and distress management during venepuncture and peripheral intravenous cannulation, including preparing the environment, assessing and preparing patients, parental involvement and psychological and pharmacological interventions. It specifically refers to neonates, children with cognitive impairment and children with difficult intravenous access. We provide a brief management strategy, with easily implemented techniques to improve daily practice.
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