The effect of foot reflexology on pain intensity associated with needle insertion into arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients: a parallel clinical trial study

Abstract

Abstract: Pain, when a needle is inserted into an artery venous fistula, is a major problem with hemodialysis, and reflexology can be considered as a non-invasive, low-cost, uncomplicated nursing care. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of foot reflexology on pain intensity associated with inserting a needle into an arteriovenous fistula in hemodialysis patients. Method: This study was performed as a parallel clinical trial on 50 eligible patients undergoing hemodialysis from artery venous fistula referred to Imam Reza (AS) Hospital in Tabriz. In the first convenience sampling was used. The study was conducted in 2 periods and 3 sessions. After collecting data in the first period, individuals were randomly divided into two groups. Foot reflexology was performed for the intervention group and conventional center care for the control group in the second period. Finally, the VAS scale was used to assess pain and a checklist was used to record physiological parameters. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software using standard statistical tests. Results: The results of data analysis show that reflexology over time significantly reduced patients' pain (first session (P = 0.495)), (second session (P = 0.005)), (third session (P = 0.015) =)) And also had a significant effect on systolic blood pressure and reduced it (P = 0.001) but did not have a significant effect on diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiration rate and blood oxygen saturation (P>0.05). Conclusions: Reflexology as a non-invasive, accessible, cost-effective method can reduce patients' pain when a needle is inserted into a venous artery fistula.