Vol. 2, Issue 2, Part A (2025)

Pain during intravenous (IV) cannulation is one of the most frequently reported discomforts among adult patients in clinical settings, with studies indicating that a substantial proportion experience moderate to severe pain during the procedure. The pain results from mechanical stimulation of cutaneous and subcutaneous nociceptors as the needle penetrates the skin and vein wall, and psychological factors such as anxiety, anticipation, and previous negative experiences further intensify the perceived pain. Because procedural pain affects patient satisfaction, cooperation, and overall healthcare experience, nursing practice emphasizes the adoption of effective, safe, and non-pharmacological strategies for pain reduction. Among these methods, warm compress application has gained increasing attention due to its physiological benefits and simplicity of use. Warm compress promotes vasodilation, increases venous diameter, softens surrounding tissues, and enhances blood flow to the targeted site, thereby making venous access easier and potentially less painful. Studies have shown that localized heat reduces nociceptor sensitivity, decreases sympathetic arousal, and improves venous visibility, which can directly influence pain perception during IV insertion.
Despite these advantages, warm compress therapy is not consistently utilized in many healthcare settings, largely due to limited standardized protocols and variability in clinician practices. Much of the existing literature has focused on pediatric or geriatric populations, leaving a significant evidence gap regarding adult patients who also experience considerable procedural discomfort but are often assumed to have higher pain tolerance. As untreated procedural pain can negatively impact patient trust, adherence to treatment, and perception of care quality, there is a pressing need for further research that evaluates simple, low-cost interventions to enhance patient comfort. Warm compress application represents one such intervention that aligns with nursing goals of promoting comfort, reducing anxiety, and improving procedural efficiency without requiring significant resources.
This research aims to determine the effectiveness of warm compress application in reducing IV cannulation pain among adult patients by comparing pain scores between those receiving warm compress prior to cannulation and those undergoing the procedure without any thermal intervention. The research hypothesizes that adult patients who receive a warm compress before IV cannulation will report significantly lower pain intensity than those receiving standard care without warm compress application. The findings of this research are expected to support evidence-based nursing practice and encourage the integration of simple, non-pharmacological pain management strategies into routine clinical care.