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Squishy Toy and Palpation in Pediatric IV Success

NCT07041216 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 90

Last updated 2025-08-22

No results posted yet for this study

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

Interventions

OTHER

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,

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.

OTHER

Routine medical care

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

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Akdeniz University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
7 Years
Max Age
17 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2024-12-01
Primary Completion
2025-07-31
Completion
2025-07-31

Countries

  • Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07041216 on ClinicalTrials.gov