Abstract
BACKGROUND: Deltoid Muscle intramuscular (IM) injection is a standard nursing procedure that often causes discomfort and anxiety. Helfer Skin Tap (HST) and ShotBlocker have been introduced to reduce injection-related pain and improve patient experience. AIM: This study compares the effects of the deltoid muscle intramuscular injection techniques Helfer Skin Tap, ShotBlocker, and Standard Technique on patients' pain, comfort, satisfaction, and fear levels. DESIGN: The study used a single-center, randomized, Controlled interventional study design in which three injection techniques were applied to one group. PARTICIPANTS: Forty patients participated in the study. METHODS: A single-center randomized controlled interventional study was conducted with patients from the Emergency Department of Atatürk University Study Hospital. Data collection tools included forms for sociodemographic characteristics, pain assessment, comfort levels, satisfaction, and fear related to injections. The interventions were applied once daily for three days, and data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS: Compared to the Helfer Skin Tap and Standard Technique, the ShotBlocker technique caused the most minor pain and fear and the highest levels of comfort and satisfaction among patients. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the ShotBlocker technique is the most effective in reducing pain and fear while providing the highest comfort and satisfaction levels. This indicates its potential for widespread adoption in clinical practice to improve patient outcomes during deltoid muscle IM injections. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This research is a randomized controlled study. Therefore, a registration number was applied for at ClinicalTrials.gov. The registration number was obtained with the number "NCT05577832". (First Posted 13/10/2022) CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND/OR HEALTH POLICY: Due to its superior performance, the ShotBlocker technique should be integrated into nursing education and practice. This technique can improve the quality of patient care and enhance the patient experience during deltoid muscle IM injections.