Effect of Hand Puppet and Squeeze Toys on IV Placement in Pediatric Oncology Patients

The Effect of Hand Puppet and Squeeze Toy Techniques on Fear, Emotional Expression, and Procedure Success During Peripheral IV Catheter Placement in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial investigates hand puppet and squeeze toy techniques to reduce fear, emotional distress, and procedure time, and improve IV catheter placement success in 90 pediatric hematology-oncology patients (ages 6-10). Participants will be randomized into three groups: hand puppet, squeeze toy, or control. Outcomes include fear, emotional expression, procedure duration, number of attempts, and first-attempt success.

Inclusion Criteria:

Children aged 6-10 years with a pediatric hematology or oncology diagnosis.

Cognitively able to understand instructions during the procedure.

Require peripheral IV catheter placement as determined by the healthcare team.

Difficult Intravenous Access (DIVA) Score ≥4.

Child and parent/guardian willing to participate.

Exclusion Criteria:

Physical condition preventing use of a squeeze toy.

Cognitive or developmental disorders preventing understanding of procedural instructions.

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