Abstract
This quality improvement project was completed to determine if the introduction of Gebauer's Pain Ease® increased the number of intravenous (IV) catheterizations started with a local anesthetic. Additionally, patient outcomes were assessed by evaluating Press Ganey scores measuring the courtesy of the person who started the IV. This project was completed on adult patients who were located on the Medical, Telemetry, Surgical and Oncology units at a 250-bed hospital. Statistical analysis of the data showed a statistically significant increase in the number of IVs which were started with a local anesthetic after the implementation of Pain Ease®. However, statistical analysis revealed that there was no change in patient satisfaction after Pain Ease® was implemented. Further research will have to be undertaken to accurately determine if local anesthetics, such as Pain Ease®, do in fact reduce pain and anxiety associated with IV catheter insertion.