Positive Health Online

Abstract

KUBSCH and colleagues, University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, WI, USA, KubschM@GBMS01.uwgb.edu, evaluated the effectiveness of cutaneous stimulation (CS) in relieving pain in Emergency Department (ED) patients.

Background

Patients admitted to [hospital] EDs often have to suffer unrelieved pain prior to diagnosis, since analgesics and narcotics may mask the symptoms of the underlying problem (hindering correct diagnosis). CS administered by ED nurses may offer a non-invasive alternative to pharmacological treatments for relieving pain prediagnosis.

Methodology

50 ED patients (38 adults, 12 children) deemed eligible for inclusion in the study were treated with a specific protocol of CS, developed by the researchers, to relieve pain. Effects on blood pressure and heart rate were also measured. Factors that might influence outcome measures were tested: age, gender, educational level, location of pain and site of CS.

Results

CS-treated patients reported significantly reduced pain levels and showed decreases in heart rate and blood pressure. Location of pain significantly influenced heart rate and diastolic blood pressure but not pain level. CS was most effective when applied at the corresponding site on the side of the body opposite to the pain. Effects of CS were not influenced by age, gender or educational level.

Conclusion

In this study, application of Cutaneous Stimulation was effective in reducing pain, heart rate and blood pressure in ED patients. The findings indicate a positive potential for the use of CS. The procedure should be easy to incorporate into standard ED procedures. Further study, however, is needed to eliminate other possible factors that might influence the outcomes measured here, particularly the caring presence of the ED nurse.

References

Kubsch SM et al. Effect of cutaneous stimulation on pain reduction in emergency department patients. Accident and Emergency Nursing 9 (3): 143-51. Jul 2001.