An Exploratory Study of Patient Preferences for Pain Management During Intravenous Insertion: Maybe We Should Sweat the Small Stuff

The purpose of this exploratory study was to add to the body of knowledge about patient preferences for pain management during intravenous (IV) insertion. A convenience sample of 30 patients who were scheduled to undergo surgical or nonsurgical procedures requiring an IV catheter were given a choice among intradermal lidocaine, guided imagery, or no pain control strategy. Only four participants chose no pain management strategy, the traditional standard of care. Most (86.6%) desired a pain control strategy. Mean pain ratings on IV insertion were very low for all the three groups, although pain was significantly lower in the intradermal lidocaine group. This study illustrates that patients have preferences for pain control during IV insertion and believe that they should be involved in decisions about pain management.