A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HELFER SKIN TAP TECHNIQUE ON PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION AMONG ADULT PATIENTS IN SELECTED HOSPITALS OF NAVI MUMBAI

Abstract

Background: Pain management is an integral part of nursing and Nurses have a responsibility to effectively manage patient’s pain. Nurses and doctors play a greater role in minimizing the pain and discomfort during any invasive procedure. Helfer skin tap technique offers a painless IM injection experience. In this technique rhythmic tapping before and during injection over the skin at the site of injection keeps the muscle relaxed and stimulates large diameter fibers. Aims and Objective: To assess the effectiveness of Helfer skin tap technique on pain associated with intramuscular injection among adult patients. To identify the association between the demographic variables and post procedure score on pain associated with intramuscular injection among adult patients. Methods: A quantitative research approach and crossover design was adopted; 40 patients were selected using non probability purposive sampling in selected hospitals of Navi Mumbai. Data was collected using a questionnaire and selfreporting numerical pain rating scale. Results: Study results show that Majority of the respondent belonged to the age group 31-45 years with a frequency of 17 (42.5%). Representation of male respondent was 23(57.5%) and rest of the respondent belonged to female gender. They were educated up to primary level with elementary occupation; their monthly income ranged from Rs. 19,516 – 29,199 and belonged to upper lower class. The maximum respondent was found married 37(92.5%) and had a BMI ranging from 18.5- 24.9(Normal weight). All the respondent was exposed to IM injection during their stay in the hospital. At Post-intervention assessment using the routine technique, 3(7.5%) respondent reported mild pain and 37 (92.5%) reported moderate pain. At Post-intervention assessment using Helfer technique 14(35%) respondents reported mild pain and 26(65%) reported moderate pain. A non-parametric McNemar test was conducted to test the post-test pain comparison between routine technique and H