Squishy Toy and Palpation in Pediatric IV Success

NCT07041216 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: AkdenizUn
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

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

Keywords

Squishy Toy Squeezing; Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Success; Palpation Techniques; Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Number of IV attempts to successful acces

  During the procedure, the number of intravenous catheter insertion attempts is measured using the catheter documentation form.

  During the procedure

• Time to successful acces

  During the procedure, the total procedure time is measured using the catheter documentation form.

  During the procedure

Study Arms (3)

Squishy Toy Group

EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Other: Squishy Toy Squeezing

Palpation Group

EXPERIMENTAL

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.

Other: Palpation

Control Group

OTHER

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

Other: Routine medical care

Interventions

Squishy Toy Squeezing 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,

Squishy Toy Group

Palpation 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.

Palpation Group

Routine medical care OTHER

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

Control Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 7 Years - 17 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Child (0-17)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• Children unable to squeeze a toy due to physical limitations were excluded from the study.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Akdeniz University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Akdeniz University

Antalya, Antalya, (506) 508 62 14, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• Gurcan M, Say B, Yayla N, Atay Turan S. Effectiveness of toy-mediated hand squeezing or palpation in peripheral IV catheterization among pediatric hematology and oncology patients: A randomized controlled trial. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2025 Dec;79:103005. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2025.103005. Epub 2025 Oct 13.

  PMID: 41166835 DERIVED

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma; Neoplasms

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Leukemia, Lymphoid; Leukemia; Neoplasms by Histologic Type; Hematologic Diseases; Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphoproliferative Disorders; Lymphatic Diseases; Immunoproliferative Disorders; Immune System Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Dr.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 12, 2025
• First Posted: June 27, 2025
• Study Start: December 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: July 31, 2025
• Study Completion: July 31, 2025
• Last Updated: August 22, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-08

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)