Table 1.
Baseline characteristics of patients undergoing cannulation according to allocation to control (water spray) or intervention (vapocoolant spray) group. Figures are numbers (percentages) of patients unless specified otherwise
| Control (n=98) | Intervention (n=103) | |
|---|---|---|
| Mean (SD) age (years) | 56.3 (20.0) | 59.9 (19.0) |
| Men | 52 (53) | 57 (55) |
| Main reason for cannulation: | ||
| Blood test | 68 (69) | 65 (63) |
| Drug administration | 19 (19) | 24 (23) |
| Fluid administration | 7 (7) | 9 (9) |
| Blood transfusion | 1 (1) | 4 (4) |
| Unspecified | 3 (3) | 1 (1) |
| Cannulation site: | ||
| Cubital fossa | 45 (46) | 56 (54) |
| Dorsum of hand | 29 (30) | 24 (23) |
| Radial side of wrist | 10 (10) | 4 (4) |
| Radial side of forearm | 7 (7) | 11 (11) |
| Other | 7 (7) | 8 (8) |
| Cannula size: | ||
| 18 gauge | 13 (13) | 12 (12) |
| 20 gauge | 77 (79) | 84 (82) |
| 22 gauge | 8 (8) | 7 (7) |
| Who cannulated patient: | ||
| Nurse | 76 (78) | 79 (77) |
| Resident | 6 (6) | 11 (11) |
| Medical student | 8 (8) | 4 (4) |
| Registrar | 5 (5) | 3 (3) |
| Consultant | 3 (3) | 4 (4) |
| Intern | 0 (0) | 2 (2) |