Influencing Vaccinations: A Buzzy Approach to Ease the Discomfort of a Needle Stick-a Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: The rate of annual influenza immunization in both the general public and health care workers is less than desirable. Mechanisms to improve compliance with recommendations are needed; prevention of immunization site pain has been suggested as a viable route because fear of pain and needles has been cited as a barrier.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of thermomechanical stimulation (Buzzy) on postprocedure pain ratings during vaccination in adults.

Effects of Thermomechanical Stimulation During Intravenous Catheter Insertion in Adults: A Prospective Randomized Study.

This was an open-label, randomized clinical trial comparing the effects of thermomechanical stimulation (Buzzy) versus no intervention in 105 adults undergoing intravenous (IV) catheter insertion before elective orthopedic surgical procedures. A visual analog scale was used to measure pain; satisfaction questionnaires were administered after IV catheter insertion. There was no significant difference in the mean pain score between the experimental (n = 49) and control (n = 56) groups (2.

Something in the Water: Hospital Responds to Water Crisis.

Early on August 2, 2014, in the city of Toledo, Ohio, a media alert informed the public that traces of microcystin, a hazardous toxin, had been detected in the drinking water. The warning stated that residents should not drink, boil, or even touch the contaminated water. A water crisis of this magnitude was recognized to pose a potentially serious and significant impact on patient care and safety in health care environments.