Squishy Toy and Palpation in Pediatric IV Success

NCT ID: NCT07041216

Last Updated: 2025-08-22

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 90 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-12-01
• Study Completion Date: 2025-07-31

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Pediatric ALL

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: SUPPORTIVE_CARE
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Squishy Toy Group

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.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Squishy Toy Squeezing

Intervention Type: OTHER

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,

Palpation Group

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.

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Palpation

Intervention Type: OTHER

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 tapping procedure, the area was thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Once the skin was completely dry, the catheter was inserted under sterile conditions.

Control Group

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

Group Type: OTHER

Routine medical care

Intervention Type: OTHER

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

Interventions

Squishy Toy Squeezing

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,

Intervention Type: OTHER

Palpation

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 tapping procedure, the area was thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. Once the skin was completely dry, the catheter was inserted under sterile conditions.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Routine medical care

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

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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.

• Minimum Eligible Age: 7 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 17 Years
• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Akdeniz University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Meltem Gürcan

Dr.

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Akdeniz University

Antalya, Antalya, Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

AkdenizUn

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id