The effect of three different techniques used to improve vein prominence on the first peripheral venous catheterization experience in nursing students: a randomized controlled study.

Background: Peripheral venous catheterization (PVC) insertion is a complex sensory-motor skill that can be difficult for nursing students to acquire.

Objectives: The authors aimed to examine the effect of three techniques used to improve vein prominence on achievement, knowledge, and psychomotor skills in the first PVC experience in nursing students.

Methods: A single-center, parallel-group, randomized control study. Near-infrared light visualization (n = 49) and isometric exercise (n = 50) techniques were used in the intervention group, while the standard technique was used in the control group (n = 48). Data was collected using Prominence of the Veins, PVC Knowledge Evaluation Form, and Checklist for PVC.

Results: In intra-group comparisons, participants in all three groups showed statistically significant improvements in their pre-and post-test knowledge scores. Regarding PVC psychomotor skills, no differences were seen between the groups in this study. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in their success rate in acquiring the skill of PVC at the first attempt. It was seen that the most successful group was the infrared light visualization group.

Conclusions: This study highlighted the significant effect of isometric exercise and NIR vascular imaging in increasing vein prominence in nursing PVC training. The findings support the importance of using NIR light visualization technology and isometric exercise training tools for successful PVC placement.

Registration: The trial was retrospectively registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (PRS) (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06056531).