# Local Pharmacological Interventions for Pain Relief During Peripheral Venous Cannulation: A Systematic Review with Implications for Clinical Nursing Practice

## TL;DR

This paper reviews local pain-relief methods for reducing discomfort during IV needle insertion in adults and finds them effective and safe for clinical use.

## Contribution

The study systematically evaluates the effectiveness and feasibility of local pharmacological interventions for pain reduction during venous cannulation.

## Key findings

- Local pharmacological interventions like vapocoolant sprays and topical anesthetics significantly reduce procedural pain during cannulation.
- These interventions improve patient satisfaction and have a favorable safety profile.
- Implementation of these methods in clinical practice is influenced by practical and organizational factors.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Peripheral venous cannulation is one of the most frequently performed invasive procedures in adult patients and is often associated with procedural pain. Despite the availability of various pain-reduction strategies, analgesia during cannulation is not consistently implemented in routine clinical practice. The aim of this review was to identify local pharmacological interventions recommended for reducing procedural pain during peripheral venous cannulation, to assess their clinical effectiveness, and to determine which interventions may be feasibly incorporated into everyday clinical practice. Methods: A literature review was conducted including randomized controlled trials, prospective studies, and meta-analyses involving adult patients undergoing peripheral venous cannulation. Outcomes of interest included procedural pain intensity, clinical effectiveness of pharmacological interventions, and their impact on additional outcomes such as patient satisfaction, anxiety, and safety. Results: Peripheral venous cannulation was most commonly associated with moderate-intensity pain. The use of local pharmacological interventions—particularly vapocoolant sprays and topical local anesthetics in cream or patch form—resulted in a significant reduction in pain intensity compared with placebo or no intervention. Several studies also reported improved patient satisfaction and a favorable safety profile of the analyzed interventions. Conclusions: Current evidence indicates that local pharmacological interventions are effective and safe in reducing pain associated with peripheral venous cannulation and may represent a valuable component of patient-centered clinical care. In addition to summarizing clinical effectiveness, this review highlights practical and organizational factors influencing the implementation of pharmacological pain-reducing interventions in routine nursing practice.