Effects of Thermomechanical Stimulation Intervention during Arteriovenous Fistula Puncture on Hemodialysis Patients’ Pain, Anxiety, and Stress

Abstract

Purpose: This study investigates the effects of thermomechanical stimulation intervention during arteriovenous fistula puncture on hemodialysis patients’ pain, anxiety, and stress. Methods: We used a nonequivalent groups pretest-posttest experimental design. In this study, 44 patients on regular hemodialysis (22 each in experimental and control groups) at a general hospital in South Korea were enrolled from December 2020 to January 2021. Subsequently, thermomechanical stimulation intervention using the Buzzy device was applied to the experimental group during arteriovenous fistula puncture. The outcome measures were the patients’ pain, anxiety, and stress. Results: After the intervention, the experimental group recorded significantly lower arteriovenous fistula puncture pain compared to the control group (t=2.90, p=.006). However, no significant differences in anxiety and stress were noted before and after the intervention between the groups. Conclusion: The study indicates that thermomechanical stimulation intervention can be utilized as an easy and effective intervention method to reduce the puncture pain experienced by patients on hemodialysis during arteriovenous fistula puncture.