Arteriovenous Fistula Pain and Cold Application

Ataturk University48 enrolled

Overview

TThis study was designed as a single-group comparative prospective intervention study. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of different pain management interventions during AVF cannulation. The effects of pain management methods such as cooling spray, aloe vera gel, and the standard procedure on pain levels, and which intervention was more effective in reducing pain compared to the standard procedure, were investigated. The study included patients over 18 and under 65 years old, undergoing hemodialysis, having an AVF, literate, without an aloe vera allergy, and without communication barriers or psychiatric disorders. The main research questions were defined as follows: Did different pain management methods (cooling spray, aloe vera gel, and standard procedure) affect pain levels during AVF cannulation? Which intervention was more effective in reducing pain levels? The primary hypotheses were defined as The application of cooling spray and aloe vera gel would reduce pain levels more than the standard procedure. The researchers compared pain levels after each intervention to determine which one was more effective. Three different interventions (cooling spray, aloe vera gel, and standard procedure) were applied to participants in sequence, and pain levels were assessed after each intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Additionally, feedback from participants regarding each intervention was collected.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Arteriovenous Fistula Pain

Interventions

Cooling SprayOTHER

A cooling spray containing propan-butane-pentane was applied 25 cm from the cannulation site until mild whitening/frosting appeared. The standard AVF cannulation procedure was performed. Pain levels were measured immediately after the procedure using VAS.

Cold Aloe Vera Gel ApplicationOTHER

1 ml of cold aloe vera gel was applied to a 5x5 cm area over the fistula site. The standard AVF cannulation procedure was conducted. Pain levels were assessed post-procedure using VAS.

Standard Procedure (Control Condition)OTHER

No additional pain-relief intervention was applied. The nurse performed the standard AVF cannulation procedure, including hand hygiene, thrill assessment, and site disinfection. Pain levels were assessed immediately after cannulation using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Over 18 and under 65 years old * Literate * Have an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) * Undergoing hemodialysis (HD) treatment at least twice a week * No allergy to aloe vera * No communication barriers and/or psychiatric disorders Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with malignancy * Having any sensory problems that prevent the assessment of perception and pain * Using any analgesic preparations * Having a vascular access other than AVF * Patients in whom AVF cannulation is not successful in a single attempt

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Pain Level (VAS - Visual Analog Scale)

The pain level experienced by patients after AVF cannulation was assessed using the VAS (0-10 scale). Pain scores were recorded and compared across all three interventions. Lower VAS scores indicate greater effectiveness of the intervention in pain reduction. n this scale, patients are asked to describe their pain using numbers, where "0" represents no pain and "10" indicates the highest, unbearable pain.

Time frame: 3 months