Effectiveness of physical stimulation for reducing injection pain in adults receiving intramuscular injections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to synthesize the best available research evidence regarding the effectiveness of physical stimulation for reducing injection pain in adults receiving intramuscular injections. INTRODUCTION: Pain associated with intramuscular injections continues to be a challenge for nurses. Various physical stimulation methods to alleviate pain and improve satisfaction for patients receiving intramuscular injections have been reported; however, the evidence surrounding the effectiveness of these methods remains inconclusive. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This systematic review considered randomized and quasi-experimental studies that used any physical stimulation strategies (eg, skin tapping, manual pressure, massage, pinch, traction) for adults aged 18 years and over receiving intramuscular injections. Studies that evaluated pain using validated instruments were considered for inclusion. METHODS: A three-step search strategy was conducted. MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library (Cochrane CENTRAL), Google Scholar, Dissertation Abstracts International, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and MedNar were searched from inception until 2020. We restricted the inclusion of studies to trials published in English. Two independent reviewers conducted the critical appraisal of eligible studies using the JBI checklists for randomized controlled and quasi-experimental trials. Data were extracted using the JBI data extraction tool, and meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were undertaken, where appropriate. RESULTS: Twenty-five studies were included with a total sample size of 1956 patients. Pooled results demonstrated that pain was significantly less with the use of the Helfer skin tap technique compared to no intervention (two studies; RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.66, 0.81; P <0.00001) or standard intervention (three studies; SMD -2.25; 95% CI -3.65, -0.85; P =0.002). Intervention with acupressure using standard treatment as control showed significant reduction in pain intensity (MD -4.78; 95% CI -5.32, -4.24; P <0.00001). Similarly, pain was significantly lower with manual pressure (two studies; SMD -0.42; 95% CI -0.69, 0.15; P =0.002) when compared to standard treatment. Pain scores were significantly lower in patients who received pinch technique, ShotBlocker, massage, or combination intervention (skin traction, pressure, and rapid muscle release) compared with no intervention, standard treatment, or placebo control. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from this review demonstrates that physical stimulation - particularly the Helfer skin tap technique, acupressure, manual pressure, pinch technique, ShotBlocker, massage, and combination - can significantly lower intramuscular injection pain; however, this is based on low or very low certainty of evidence. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020168586.

Effectiveness of physical stimulation on injection pain in adults receiving intramuscular injections: a systematic review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of physical stimulation on injection pain in adults receiving intramuscular injections. INTRODUCTION: Intramuscular injections are the most commonly used modality for administration of pharmacological treatments. Despite this, pain from intramuscular injections is the most commonly reported side effect. Reducing patients' pain from intramuscular injections is important; however, the challenge is in selecting from the current methods available to alleviate pain, which are varied. The findings of this review may identify the most effective physical stimulation method to reduce the side effect of pain from an intramuscular injection. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider studies that include adults aged 18 years and over that use physical stimulation interventions during intramuscular injections. Any physical stimulation strategies used during intramuscular injections including devices, skin tapping, manual pressure, massage, pinch, and traction will be considered. Studies that evaluate pain using validated tools such as pain scales will be included. METHODS: The review will undertake to find both published and unpublished studies. The key information sources to be searched are MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, Dissertation Abstracts International, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and MedNar. Two independent reviewers will conduct a critical appraisal of eligible studies, assess the methodological quality, and extract the data. Studies will, where possible, be pooled in a statistical meta-analysis. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020168586.