REDUCING PAIN DURING INTRAVENOUS CANNULATION USING TOPICAL LIGNOCAINE AND AIDET COMMUNICATION: A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Background: Intravenous (IV) cannulation is one of the most frequently performed nursing procedures and is commonly associated with pain and anxiety, which can negatively affect patient satisfaction. Evidence suggests that topical anesthetics and effective communication strategies can reduce pain during IV cannulation.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical 2% lignocaine spray/Prilox gel, AIDET communication, and standardized IV cannulation practices in reducing pain and improving patient satisfaction.
Methods: A quality improvement project using the Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) methodology was conducted in the surgical ward of ASHV, Chennai. Nursing staff were trained to administer topical anesthetic before IV cannulation, apply the 'U' fixation technique, and follow the AIDET communication framework. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and patient satisfaction was measured using a 10-point satisfaction scale over a two-month implementation period.
Results: During August and September, 204 IV cannulations were performed. Topical lignocaine was used in 98% and 96% of procedures, respectively. Mean pain scores decreased from the baseline range of 4–6/10 to 2/10 in August and 1/10 in September. Patient satisfaction improved to 9/10 and 8.5/10 during the intervention period.
Conclusion: Implementation of topical lignocaine, standardized communication using AIDET, and the 'U' fixation technique significantly reduced pain during IV cannulation and improved patient satisfaction. The intervention has been adopted in additional clinical units.